Katie Davis Bellamy, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC | Executive Director, Community & Corporate Health, MetroHealth System
Dr. Lisa Ramirez, PhD, ABPP | Child Psychologist MetroHealth System, Associate Professor, CWRU School of Medicine
Across the state of Ohio, educators rely on the Whole Child, a framework that underscores children’s need to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. And critical to these needs, is a coordinated effort from schools, health systems, mental health partners, and communities. Now consider this:
“Health and success in school are interrelated. Schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy and fit physically, mentally, and socially.”
—National Association of State Boards of Education
This sentiment captured in this quote is one of the guiding principles behind a steady increase in the establishment and use of school-based health clinics. School health clinics provide an opportunity to provide comprehensive, and often integrated, physical and behavioral health care to students, and in some cases school staff and student family members. One major opportunity for school health clinics to benefit educators and students is around attendance. A recent publication in the journal Pediatrics highlighted that “Chronic school absenteeism, starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, puts students at risk for poor school performance and school dropout, which in turn, put them at risk for unhealthy behaviors as adolescents and young adults as well as poor long-term health outcomes.” Consistent health care services, such as childhood vaccinations and well child checks can keep students healthy and prevent long-term health problems. Chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and mental health challenges are all leading causes of high rates of absenteeism. When the school and health clinic work collaboratively, many schools also report an increase in family engagement and student achievement!
But don’t just take our word for it, check out this family’s perspective on School-Based Health Centers, and join us February 12th at the ESC to learn more about the history, current trends and various models of school health centers across Ohio.
Register for professional development HERE.