CONTACT - Volume 8, Number 2
Primary Care Nursing Center (PCNC)

School-Based Health Centers

There is currently an increasing trend to provide health care and nursing services to children in schools through school-based health centers (SBHC). Schools are the natural place to provide health care in a convenient and familiar setting because that is where the children are most of their waking day. According to The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools at George Washington University, the number of SBHCs in the United States in 2000 was 1,380 in 45 states, a 20% increase over two years. Florida, with 80 SBHC, ranks as one of the states with the largest number. SBHCs have been shown to increase test scores and reduce absenteeism, tardiness, and violent incidents. Immunization rates of children in SBHCs are close to 100%. To access more information about SBHCs, log on to www.nasbhc.com.

The nurse practitioners at Barry's school-based health centers provide primary health care early to prevent or treat common health problems and chronic health conditions, physical exams, sports physicals, vision/hearing/scoliosis screenings, immunizations, referrals, and health education The health care and health education these children receive at school may be the only health care they receive on a regular basis. Our next challenge is to renovate the four Catholic schools' clinic rooms. This will be happening over the summer, and we will have real school-based health centers with all the equipment, supplies, and room for nursing students to participate in school nursing.

At the end of the spring semester let me say thank you to the faculty and students who participated in this year's activities. We had a wonderful, active year with presentations, health fairs, and DNA sampling. We have established a greater presence in the schools. Also, let me welcome the new students and say that you, too, can make a difference.

Shirley Schantz, Ed.D., ARNP; PCNC Director