Findings from the 2004-2005 census of school- based, linked and mobile programs

School-based, linked and mobile programs (SBHCs) are located in 44 states and provide a range of medical and mental health services to children and adolescents. They are an important segment of the primary care network for the 1.7 million students with access to their services. The data described come from Census 2004-05, a nationwide census of programs conducted by the National Assembly on School Based Health Care (NASBHC). Programs were identified from the NASBHC membership database, State Associations and State Health Departments. 1709 SBHCs were counted, an increase of 331 programs from the previous census. The survey was completed on line by the majority of respondents with a response rate of 78% . The race/ethnicity of students in schools with programs was reported as Hispanic (34%), black (30%), Asian (4%), Native American (1%), white (30%), and other (1%). Forty four percent of SBHCs indicated they are located in Title I schools. Most centers are in urban areas (59%) with 27% in rural communities and 14% identified as suburban. Most SBHCs provide on-site primary care services, including immunizations (87%), risk assessments (82%), asthma treatment (92%) and nutrition counseling (90%). Among the centers that serve adolescents, most provide STD diagnosis and treatment (60%), pregnancy testing (77%), and HIV/AIDS counseling (62%). Many health centers conducted classroom educational interventions targeting tobacco (42%), alcohol (39%), HIV (38%), violence (37%), and pregnancy (30%). In addition to students enrolled in the school many SBHCs serve family members of student users (29%) and out of school youth (32%).