Tue, Aug 25th 2026 10:35 pm<\/p>\n
Guest editorial by Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera<\/p>\n
As a former educator, I know this is a time of year full of excitement. Let me be one of the first to welcome our students, teachers, faculty and staff back to school! The start of a school year is the most critical in setting students up for success.<\/p>\n
In Erie County, we have several resources that support the well-being of our young people.<\/p>\n
The Erie County Department of Health, along with the Office of Health Equity, offers the Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program. Reintroduced in 2023, the CYSHCN program is free for families. It offers resources and referrals that will improve care coordination for infants, children and youth from birth to 21 years old who have a serious or chronic medical, physical, behavioral, emotional or developmental condition. A diagnosis is not required.<\/p>\n
Families will be matched with community resources to provide advocacy to health care providers and school districts. To apply or learn more, visit www.erie.gov\/cyshcn<\/a>, call 716-858-1920, or email [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. Anyone with questions about their child\u2019s eligibility is encouraged to call.<\/p>\n Another great resource for students and families is EriePath, the county\u2019s mental health-focused smartphone app. EriePath helps parents and caregivers understand the challenges that children and adolescents face, such as feelings of anxiety and depression, alcohol and drug use, and symptoms or behaviors that indicate a mental health condition. Most importantly, the app includes links to local support services. For more information, including download instructions, visit www.erie.gov\/eriepath<\/a>.<\/p>\n Safety isn\u2019t just a school-place issue. I remind parents to have conversations with their children about safe transportation to and from school. Erie County\u2019s StreetSmart campaign has tips for parents and caregivers to discuss safe behaviors with students.<\/p>\n \u2022Walkers\/bikers: Encourage use of crosswalks, helmets and visibility gear.<\/p>\n \u2022Bus riders: Remind students to cross in front of the bus; stay alert at stops and follow driver instructions.<\/p>\n \u2022New drivers: Reinforce safe driving habits, awareness of school zones and avoidance of distractions.<\/p>\n \u2022School zones & parking lots: Practice caution during drop-off and pick-up, obey posted speed limits and watch for pedestrians.<\/p>\n