School-Based Health Centers

A school-based health center is a facility providing preventive and primary health care services to children and adolescents located on or near a school campus. A SBHC is staffed by a multidisciplinary team that may include nurse practitioners, physicians, clinical social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, dentists, dental hygienists and/or administrators. 

“It is a safe place for students.” –Texas School Administrator   

Each center meets the needs of the local community, but they all share common characteristics. SBHCs: 

• Serve students with a focus on underserved populations
• Reduce health inequities to improve student health  
  
• Are accessible with a convenient location in a familiar setting
  
• Provide high-quality primary care with an emphasis on prevention  
  
• Provide chronic disease management to decrease absences
  
• Ensure continuity of care, building relationships with students
  
• Refer students to community providers when diagnoses are beyond the scope of the SBHCs
  
• Are culturally sensitive and meet the needs of the local population through community input
  
• Work with staff to reduce health-related barriers to achievement and promote healthy development  
  

Read about the benefits of SBHCs, their history and view helpful resources. 

“As a parent and a teacher, I think it is an absolutely wonderful service being provided
to students in our district.” –Texas Parent and Teacher   

 SBHCs offer:

• Immunizations (vaccines) 
• Well-child exams
• Sports physicals
• Acute care for minor illnesses and injuries
• Management of chronic illnesses 
• Dental screenings, treatments, and referrals
• Mental health services 
• Basic health education  

 Related resources: 

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
  
• Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
• Center for School, Health and Education - SBHCs role in Preventing Dropout, Health and Well-being, School Climate, Hunger and Obesity, School Violence
• The Community Guide 
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
• National Association of School Nurses
  
• Nemours KidsHealth
• School-Based Health Alliance
• US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  
• On the Healthy Road to Academic Success

▲ Top   

External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may not be accessible to people with disabilities.