National School-Based Healthcare Awareness Month

District Health Department #10 Highlights Student Satisfaction with School-based Health Centers

February is National School-Based Healthcare Awareness Month! District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) wants to take this time to recognize the impact of school-based health centers on the delivery of healthcare in the United States.

DHD#10 works with 15 school districts to operate 17 school-based health centers. School-based health centers provide essential services to students like medical and behavioral health care right in the school building. This improves access to care for youth in our communities.

Hear what clinic Youth Advisory Councils had to say when asked “Why is having a school-based health center important to you?”

• "easy access for my friends who don't have a doctor"
• "makes us feel like we have somewhere to go"
• "mental health support where my friends [feel] safe"
• "it is a safe space to learn how to be healthy"
• "the clinic is a safe and supportive environment"
• "promote physical fitness and health, [and] mental and emotional well-being"
• "positive impact on academic performance and overall well being"
• "can get a sports physical when I can't get into my doctor"
• "help students physically and mentally"
• "someone to talk to judgment-free"
• "easy access [to] services we trust"

Interested in getting involved? Follow your school clinic on Facebook or consider joining a Community Advisory Council (CAC). Each CAC meets twice a year and helps oversee each clinic’s goals and provides feedback. CACs are made of parents, school staff, community members, and students – calling your school clinic is the best way to join a CAC.

For a full list and more information about our school-based health centers, check out our website at https://www.dhd10.org/schools/adolescent-health-centers/.

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