Each of the seven schools in Coos Bay School District received a surprise gift Wednesday when Advanced Health announced it was giving $5,000 to the schools to help at-risk students.
Sam Baugh, the community engagement manager for Advanced Health, visited the schools in the district to present checks to the principals.
Baugh explained Advanced Health decided to help out all the schools in its coverage area, with the only caveat being that the money be used for at-risk kids. What students are at risk and how to best help them was left up the individual schools.
Advanced Health works with the Oregon Health Plan to provide insurance services for people who qualify in Coos and Curry counties. In Coos County, close to one-third of all residents receive insurance services through Advanced Health. The numbers are even higher among children, who qualify for insurance through the Oregon Health Plan in higher numbers that adults.
Baugh said in the past, some schools have purchased coats to give to students while others have used the money for emergency food for its neediest students.
At Marshfield High School, Principal Elias Ashton said he was going to let the Student Advisory Council decide how to spend the money. He said the council has recognized mental health services as a major need, and the gift from Advanced Health could go a long way toward providing services the students need.