By Chris Kjoljede, Photo: Getty Images, Public Health Post, January 19, 2022
Madison and her mother recently moved into a community with a school-based health center. Madison has had a difficult time fitting in to the middle school; she is quiet and has few friends. At her annual health check-up, she scores high on a depression scale prompting the nurse practitioner to probe further. Madison has lost weight and is cutting. After speaking to her mother, who also registers concern, the nurse practitioner refers Madison to the in-house mental health provider and the physician for further care. After careful consideration, she is prescribed an anti-depressant and has regular therapy with the mental health provider. Madison feels ‘at home’ in the SBHC.
School-based health centers (SBHCs) offer health care in schools. They provide primary care services including physical and mental health care, and, often, dental services. These health centers enjoy a partnership with their schools. And they collaborate with school nurses; they do not replace them. SBHCs are typically sponsored by hospitals, health systems, federally qualified health centers, and departments of health.
Over one third of SBHCs are in rural school districts while the remainder are in urban or suburban communities. The number of SBHCs across the country is increasing, now numbering over 3,000.
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