What is a SBHC: School Based Health Centers
School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are comprehensive primary health care facilities located within or on the grounds of schools; licensed as “outpatient medical clinics” by DPH
SBHCs are staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of licensed professionals with particular expertise in child/adolescent health (i.e., nurse practitioner, MD, social worker, dentist and dental hygienist).
SBHCs staff are guests within the school, but typically become seamlessly integrated into the school system to maximize outcomes
SBHCs utilize HIPAA rather than FERPA The Centers are created to build the capacity of the school to provide comprehensive, primary preventive health and mental health services, health promotion and health education activities.
The teams of health professionals offer services in order to prevent and reduce high risk behaviors such as tobacco use, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, sexual behaviors that result in HIV and STD’s, unintended pregnancy and alcohol and drug use.
SBHCs are licensed outpatient clinics as outlined in the Public Health Code (Sections 19-12-DA45 through 19-13-53).
Or as Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics through DCF if they provide mental health only
School Based Health Centers Provide
EPSDT – Well Child Examinations
Acute/Chronic Care – Diagnosis/Treatment
Reproductive Health Care Services (Middle and High)
Counseling-Individual, Group, Family, Psycho-educational
Educational Groups/School Programs
Patient Education
Case Management/Outreach Services
Referral Services/Administrative consults
Support Groups-anger management, bereavement, smoking cessation, substance abuse,
Preventive Dental Services