Putting Health Care Where Kids Are … … in School!

1. Putting Health Care Where Kids Are … … in School!

2. The California School Health Centers Association (CSHC) CSHCpromotes the health of children and youth by increasing access to the high quality health care and support services provided by school health centers.

3. What is a school health center? • Delivers primary medical care - basic medical services like any doctor’s office or clinic - in collaboration with a school • Located on campus or near a school site • May also provide mental health services, dental care, after school programs, clubs, nutrition programs, parent groups, etc. • Works on school-wide issues like health education • Serves students and sometimes siblings, family members and the community

4. School health centers extend health care beyond the walls of the exam roomand provide a level of comprehensive service that pediatricians can rarely provide. Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles, CA

5. There are 153 school health centers in California • 42 in elementary schools • 14 in middle schools • 58 in high schools • 16 on mixed-grade campuses • 23 not on campus; “linked” or mobile vans

6. What types of services do school health centers provide? Services Provided at California School Health Centers (N=105) National Assembly on School-Based Health Care, 2004-2005 Census

7. School health centers put health care where the kids are. Berkeley High School Health Center

8. Relationship between Health Status and Academic Performance¹ ¹ Geierstranger SP, Amaral G. School-Based Health Centers and Academic Performance: What is the intersection? April 2004 Meeting Proceedings. White Paper. Washington, D.C: National Assembly on School-Based Health Care; 2005.

9. Research shows a positive impact from school health centers on student learning • Reduced absences and tardiness • Increased promotion to the next grade • Decreased withdrawal/drop out rates • Reduced disciplinary problems

10. School health centers work closely with parents and families to: • Support healthy eating and physical activity • Manage chronic conditions such as asthma, and acute injuries or illness at school • Prevent unintentional injuries and violence • Support positive coping mechanisms and self-esteem • Prevent or reduce risky behaviors such as drug, tobacco or alcohol use and sexual activity • Enroll children and families in health insurance, if needed

11. How are school health centers financed? • Space and utilities are typically contributed by the school • Third-party reimbursement • Child Health and Disability Program • Family PACT • Medi-Cal • Expanded Access to Primary Care • Healthy Families • Public and private grants • No financial support from the state

12. Governor’s White Paper on School-Based Health Centers “Administration will work with healthcare and education stakeholders and legislative leaders to develop an initiative to support and expand SBHCs to 500 elementary schools.” -- 2006

13. Parents and teachers team up for student success:Teachers can focus on teaching, and students can learn. Fremont High, Oakland, CA Tiger Health Clinic

14. California School Health Centers Association 510-268-1260 info@schoolhealthcenters.org www.schoolhealthcenters.org