Millions of elementary and secondary students across the US lack consistent access to quality health care services. Lack of insurance, money, location, and knowledge on how to access health care services are all factors that contribute to students not using these services- especially low- income students. It’s an issue that is vitally important to America’s long-term health since the health behaviors students adopt now will impact the quality of their lives down the road.
That’s where School-Based Health Care (SBHCs) centers can play an important role in promoting healthy behavior habits in students. With more than 2,000 SBHCs in the country, these centers provide health care services to students in a setting where they spend most of their day- school. Located on or near a school’s property, they not only provide basic health care, but offer services and resources to help students manage health related issues (i.e. teen pregnancy, asthma, obesity, etc) that are specific to their community, their school, and their personal lives. SBHCs have shown impressive potential which is why the Affordable Care Act provided nearly $200 million in grants for expanding and delivering services at SBHCs.
[For more of this story go to http://www.communitycommons.or...n=Health%2C%20Equity]
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