Online Program

Oral

The viability of school-based health centers (SBHC) as a delivery system is well regarded. SBHCs can also boost educational success and prevent dropout through two vital pathways: keeping students healthy and ready to learn, and reducing social barriers to educational success. Through the provision of primary care and preventive services to underserved youth, most in urban middle and high schools serving Hispanic and Black students, SBHCs reach many of the students with the greatest risk of dropping out. Utilization of a SBHC has been shown to reduce tardiness, absenteeism, and improve overall school climate, all of which are related to graduation rates. Most notably, African American males - the group most vulnerable to the stressors influencing dropout - who used a SBHC were found to be three times more likely to stay in school than their peers who did not use a clinic. The concept of an expanded role for SBHCs (one beyond the clinic) builds upon this success and their proven capacity to influence educational success. It is a deliberate strategy to expand what has resulted in notable academic and behavioral outcomes for some students, to all students. This panel is an update to information provided during the last annual meeting. It will explore the operational and programmatic logistics of moving beyond the clinic walls to implement school wide, comprehensive strategies for dropout prevention and health promotion. Based on a pilot demonstration of a strategic model developed by the Center for School, Health and Education at the American Public Health Association, the presentation will include how to determine readiness in your clinic and school, staffing, risk assessment, program integration, partnership development, costs, lessons learned and other topics.

Session Objectives: Describe the rationale for expanding the role of school-based health centers to prevent dropout including, the strategic planning and implementation process. Compare the assessment tool used in the school-wide implementation, including the similarities and differences from its clinical use. Assess the value of and required investment for an expanded, school-wide school-based healthmodel.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)