about
the new School-Based Health Center at Durango High School:
What is the new School Based
Health Center at Durango High School?
The new School Based Health Center (SBHC) offers a practical and inexpensive approach for providing preventive and primary health care services to students during school hours. The center serves students who are under-insured and uninsured, are without transportation to health care providers, or those with family members unable to take time off from work to take their children to doctors during the school day. The SBHC is an extension of public health in the community and is an integrated part of the healthy schools initiative occurring throughout Durango School District 9-R.
What services are offered in
the SBHC?
Well child exams,
sports physical exams, support for chronic conditions such as asthma, care for
acute illnesses and injuries, preventive dental services, pregnancy
prevention/education, family planning (a portion of reproductive health care
services to be offered as described below), behavioral health services, immunizations, health and wellness education, prescriptions for medications, referrals as
needed for students and school staff with established primary care providers or
more serious health concerns.
What
does reproductive health care include?
Screening and
education of normal growth and adolescent physical development, screening for
high risk behaviors, teaching breast and testicular exams, screening and
treatment of sexually transmitted infections, screening and treatment of normal
vaginal infections, screening for menstrual irregularities, screening for
cervical cancer and other family risk factors, HIV prevention and contraceptive
counseling, prescribing and distribution.
Does
offering access to contraception undermine the message to abstain?
Medical providers and health educators always encourage risk reduction, with abstinence at the top of the list and use science-based strategies to teach students. Some of these strategies include delaying sexual involvement, having fewer partners and possible use of a hormonal method (e.g. the pill, depo shot or patch) in combination with consistent and correct condom use. Students are able to understand medical facts including both the abstinence message and information on how to reduce risk if they do become sexually active.
Who provides the services at
the SBHC?
A licensed practical nurse serving as the SBHC coordinator, an administrative assistant, a nurse practitioner who can diagnose and prescribe and a behavioral health consultant who provides behavioral/mental health education and consulting, crisis evaluation, and short-term therapies. Other local medical providers may be added as pro bono or funded arrangements are developed for example, appointment with a dermatologist, or allergist.
Can all students with parent
permission be seen at the SBHC?
Students must have a consent form signed by their parents or guardians to access school-based health center services. Students may be seen one time to discuss needs without parent permission. Colorado law allows for youth age 15 or older to access mental health services without parent consent. Colorado law allows for the dispensing of contraception to minors (no age in statue) without parent consent. Reproductive health care including contraception is considered to be the standard of care for adolescents. Although the SBHC is allowed by law to provide contraceptive services without parent permission we will respect any parent’s lack of consent.
Can students with private
insurance still be seen at the SBHC?
Yes, however continuity with a students established primary care provider is maintained. No student is ever denied service because of a family’s ability to pay.
Can staff be seen at the SBHC?
Yes, for minor illness.
Are most of the services free to
students?
Yes. A $20 donation for sports physical exams
is suggested for students who have private insurance but can’t be seen. We anticipate that the savings in time and
the convenience of the SBHC’s services will encourage families to offer modest
donations for the services they receive.
If a student or staff has
insurance, will the insurance be billed?
No. We
are unable to do this at the current time.
How does confidentiality work
with regard to parents and staff?
Visits are confidential unless a student is in
danger of harming themselves or others.
If this situation occurs the provider will make decisions based on
safety and staff members may be notified in the interest of the student’s safety.
Communication between students and parents is encouraged and strongly
supported.
Is the student's educational
chart and SBHC chart one and the same?
No. A separate charting system is maintained.
Does the high school health curriculum have science-based content standards for instruction regarding human sexuality?
Yes.
The high school uses curriculum that is science based and proven to
work. The Safer Choices
materials that are listed as a science-based program support the current
curriculum at the high school.
For more information, contact Jaynee Fontecchio-Spradling
at 247-5411, ext. 1417.