The crucial role School-Based Health Centers play in underserved communities
School-based health care gives children an invaluable resource for their physical and emotional well-being.
February is National School-Based Health Center Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to recognize the crucial role that school-based health centers (SBHCs) play. For many children and adolescents, SBHCs are a critical resource. These centers provide comprehensive health services to underserved communities, thus eliminating barriers to healthcare and helping ensure that students receive the care they need to stay healthy.
Convenience is one of the biggest advantages of having an SBHC on school grounds. Transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare for some students, particularly those whose parents cannot take them to appointments or who do not have access to transportation. With an SBHC located within their school, these students can easily access healthcare when needed.
In addition, SBHCs offer a wide range of services that can help address various health issues. These include physical exams and immunizations as well as mental health counseling, reproductive health services, and nutrition counseling. By providing these services onsite at schools, clinics give students access to the care they need without them having to leave campus or find ways to get to a doctor’s office or clinic.
SBHCs play a critical role in keeping students healthy and in class, which can help reduce absenteeism due to illness or injury and support academic success. Research has shown that students with chronic illnesses are often absent from school due to their conditions, but with the right care and support from an SBHC, they can stay in school more consistently and keep up with their studies. Furthermore, studies have found that visiting an SBHC is associated with an increase in school attendance. Preliminary analysis of the Data xChange attendance and student health data for 14,030 users reveal that students’ attendance increased by 5.4 school days per year following any type of visit to a school-based health center, and it increased by 7 school days per year after a school-based health center visit for a mental health diagnosis. This is especially beneficial for disadvantaged communities where health disparities can lead to decreased educational opportunities for some children and adolescents.
Maryjane Puffer, Executive Director of The L.A. Trust said, “By investing in school-based health centers, we are investing in the health and well-being of our future generations. We cannot afford to ignore the needs of our most vulnerable communities, and SBHCs are a critical component in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity.”
As a final point, school-based health centers are crucial resources for underserved communities, providing access to healthcare services that might not otherwise be available to students. SBHCs address the unique needs of children and adolescents by offering convenient, comprehensive, and age-appropriate healthcare services on school grounds. By reducing barriers to healthcare, promoting healthy attendance, and addressing health disparities, SBHCs help ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in school and beyond. As such, school-based health centers play an essential role in creating healthy and equitable communities for all.