School-based health centers

Program basics

Provide K–12 students with various health care services on school premises or at offsite centers linked to schools
In underserved communities, serve as strategic “catchment areas” for students who would not have traditionally have access to health care
Care often provided by teams of nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians
Reproductive health services may be provided at middle and high schools (dependent on district policy and state law)
Often manage chronic illnesses
Most patients are insured by Medicaid or are without insurance

All school-aged children

Not available

Not applicable

Improved health outcomes
Increased academic achievement
Improved quality of care, fewer emergency room visits, reduced hospital utilization, and increased immunization rates
Improved student health behavior and possible reduction in barriers to accessing mental health services
Reduced absenteeism and dropout rates and increased graduation rates and connectedness to school
Increased access to care for minority students, students with disabilities, and underserved urban youth

Note: This content is under review
Programs that focus on prevention as well as physical and mental health care are likely to have better outcomes
Routine counseling for individuals and groups strengthen preventative measures, keeping children healthy and in schools
Partnerships with local health care facilities and community health care workers are needed to ensure follow-up and continuity of treatment