School-based and school-linked health centers (SBHCs) improve access to health services for children, usually adolescents, by offering confidential health care at a location within or near a school. They are often located in medically underserved communities and provide primary care, mental health, and health education services. There are now over 1100 SBHCs nationally. They have been shown to have high student usage rates, school administration support, and evidence of improvement in attendance. It has been more difficult to demonstrate an effect on outcomes such as pregnancy prevention and graduation rates. Barriers to SBHC development include lack of community or school support, controversy over services to be provided, and lack of funding. Programs often start with state or foundation support, but long-term financial viability can be difficult. This panel presentation will provide an overview of the current status of SBHCs nationally. We will then discuss the Illinois Department of Human Services program - its goals, funding, grant process, and program standards. Several State-funded programs representing different models will be described. In one, a community teaching hospital is the grantee and partners with two neighborhood schools to provide services. In another, a small school district collaborates with a medical school and local health department. The school district is the grantee and contracts for services with the medical school and a mental health agency. A school-linked health center model will also be presented. The advantages and disadvantages of the models will be discussed, and the development of a state advocacy organization will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the key characteristics of school-based and school-linked health centers. 2. Examine the strategies for developing and implementing a State program that fosters the development of school-based health centers. 3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different local models for initiating and maintaining a school-based/school-linked health center program. 4. Identify the necessary elements for a successful state advocacy organization
Keywords: School-Based Health Care,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.