The Dillon County Council voted to give funds to Healthy Learners.
County Administrator Clay Young said Healthy Learners was requesting that Dillon County join the City of Dillon and designate $5,000 of county funds to assist with the costs associated with medical services, coordination of care, and transportation for the schools served in Dillon.
According to the letter sent to council, “Healthy Learners expanded into Dillon County in 2005 out of concern for the children in Dillon who were falling through the cracks of the health care system and going without the medical services they needed. Since 200t, Healthy Learners Dillon (HLD) has met the critical health care needs of 883 students in Dillon County public schools, thus enabling them to be the best students they can be. We provided these students with access to 4,101 health care services and over 78,212 miles of transportation – all at no cost to the children or their families.
Then and today, Healthy Learners operates on the premise that children must be healthy to learn, and children who cannot learn will not be successful in school or life.”
“Healthy Learners Dillon operates by working in partnership with school nurses, community health care provider groups and local supporters to help children secure: assistance with Medicaid application process, assistance with referrals for clinical counseling, coordination of health care, dental care, hearing evaluations and care, medications, transportation to appointments, treatment for medical needs, and vision care. Despite the good work that HL Dillon is doing, there is more to be done, and each year additional children from families without resources enter the Dillon schools. The Healthy Learners program is dependent on financial support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations to cover the costs of transportation, coordination of care, medical services, and supplies, including medications.”
Young said that he could refer this to the budget committee or they could make a decision now. Councilman Robbie Coward made a motion to give Healthy Learners $2500.00. Councilman Archie Scott seconded and all were in favor.