District offers prescription drug program to reduce illness — and absences

In an attempt to reduce school absences due to illness, Alum Rock Union Elementary School District is offering a prescription drug plan that gives price reductions on both brand-name and generic drugs, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News. The goal is to reduce illness — as well as absences — from school.

Although aimed at district families, the free plan is open to anyone who wants to participate, even if they are not part of the Alum Rock community. It is thought to be the first district in the state to offer such a plan — and a sign of the growing awareness among educators of the crucial link between health and school achievement.

For more on the prescription drug program, check out this announcement from the district.