February is School-Based Health Center Awareness month, so we are excited to highlight some of the great work they are doing in communities in Oregon.
School-based health centers (SBHCs) are medical clinics that offer primary care services either within or on the grounds of a school. SBHCs provide physical, mental, dental, and preventative health services to children and youth, regardless of their ability to pay. Currently, there are 68 SBHCs located in 20 counties in Oregon. Nine additional communities are planning for new SBHCs, with 8 new centers anticipated to open during the 2014-2015 school year.
Nearly 52,500 school aged children (5-21 years old) currently have access to a SBHC in Oregon. During the 2013-2014 school year, Oregon SBHCs served 23,797 clients in 70,666 visits. Of these visits:
- 26% related to a mental health or substance use concern
- 13% an immunization was administered
- 13% related to a reproductive health service
SBHCs help get students back to the classroom faster and ready to learn. According to surveyed students who used their SBHC in the 2013-2014 school year, 63% reported they didn’t miss a class while using SBHC services; 77% estimated they would miss one class or more if they had to go to a clinic located elsewhere.
SBHCs also provide quality care and developmentally appropriate services. In the 2013-2014 student survey, 65% of surveyed students reported their overall health was better because of their use of the SBHC; 84% were “very satisfied” with their center.
Want to learn more about SBHCs in Oregon? Visit the SBHC State Program Office website: www.healthoregon.org/sbhc or check out our 2015 SBHC Status Report.
Oregon ImmiNews 