How does the EPSDT support academic achievement?
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, “research has shown that school health programs can effectively reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among young people and can also have a positive impact on students’ academic performance.” EPSDT assesses health care in early life so that potential disease and disabilities can be prevented or detected in their preliminary states, when they are most effectively treated. The program also assesses a child’s health at regular, recommended intervals in the child’s life to assure continued healthy development. Health services, like EPSDT, can help to reduce behavior problems, reduce absenteeism, and improve academic performance.
