School-Based Health Centers (SBHC)

“It’s a safe place for students.” –Texas School Administrator   

 

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) 

A school-based health center is a facility providing preventive and primary health care services to children and adolescents located on or near a school campus. A SBHC is staffed by a multidisciplinary team that may include nurse practitioners, physicians, clinical social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, dentists, dental hygienists and/or administrators. Each center meets the needs of the local community, but they all share common characteristics:  
 

  • Serve students with a focus on underserved populations 

  • Reduce health disparities to improve student health

  • Are accessible with a convenient location in a familiar setting 

  • Provide high-quality primary care with an emphasis on prevention   

  • Provide chronic disease management to decrease absences 

  • Ensure continuity of care, building relationships with students 

  • Refer students to community providers when diagnoses are beyond the scope of the SBHCs 

  • Are culturally sensitive and meet the needs of the local population through community input 

  • Work with staff to reduce health-related barriers to achievement and promote healthy development 

 

  What SBHCs offer:  

  • Immunizations (vaccines) 

  • Well-child exams 

  • Sports physicals 

  • Acute care for minor illnesses and injuries 

  • Management of chronic illnesses  

  • Dental screenings, treatments, and referrals 

  • Mental health services  

  • Basic health education    

Read about the benefits of SBHCs, our history and view helpful resources.  

“As a parent and a teacher, I think it is an absolutely wonderful service being provided to students in our district.” –Texas Parent and Teacher   

 

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