Global Technology Company Experian Invests in Cleveland Youth

The MetroHealth System's School Health Program(SHP) has received national attention as a model for in-school delivery of healthcare, and now it has caught the attention of a national funder whose generosity will enhance the the program's impact.

Experian, a leading global and technology company, recently made a substantial gift to The MetroHealth Foundationin support of the SHP. The gift will offset the financial shortfall that the program experiences annually between operational costs and reimbursements. MetroHealth's SHP is currently supported through Medicaid/insurance billing, grants, state funding, private philanthropy and MetroHealth's general operations budget.

The SHP serves over 4,800 students at nearly 30 schools and learning centers in Cuyahoga County, many of them within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Since its launch in 2013, SHP has served thousands of students, supporting academic achievement while improving health.

Experian Chief Sustainability Officer Abigail Lovell said it is about preparing the next generation of youth to be healthy adults in all respects, and it starts in school.

"MetroHealth focuses on healthy youth, in every sense of the word. When we think about preparing the next generation to be healthy adults physically, mentally and emotionally, that also includes financial health. We understand this starts in schools and we are proud to join forces to contribute to this holistic approach," Lovell said.

Experian believes success reaches beyond school-aged students. In fact, they recently provided online financial education to about 70 MetroHealth employees through a program for those interested in learning about how credit ratings work and strategies to improve credit scores. A link to theFinancial Wellness: Credit Rebuilding webinarwas shared with all employees who registered, and also now resides on MetroHealth's intranet site, available to all 9,000 MetroHealth employees.

MetroHealth's Vice President of Philanthropy Greg Sanders said Experian is helping to build a strong foundation for students served by MetroHealth.

"Experian's gift helps to ensure that these students are well-positioned to be healthy in the classroom, which increases the likelihood they will be attentive, engaged and successful," Sanders said.

MetroHealth President and CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, founded the School Health Program. As a family medicine physician for close to three decades, she saw first-hand the need for student access to high -quality healthcare and why support from donors like Experian is so important.

"We are so grateful to Experian for investing in what we know is a program with proven results," Alexander said. "By providing comprehensive care and services to students, right at school, during their school day, this program improves health, improves learning and improves lives."