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 ![School-Based Health Centers Interactive Map [Click image to view interactive map.]
School-Based Health Centers Interactive Map [Click image to view interactive map.]](/uploadedImages/Content/Prevention_and_Preparedness/schoolhealth/TSBHC-map.jpg)
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
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