Schools on the front lines: School based health centers amidst COVID-19.

Abstract

School based health centers (SBHCs) are often at the front line of medical and mental health services for students in the schools they serve. Citywide school closures in New York City in March 2020 and ongoing social distancing procedures resulted in significant changes in SBHC services as well as access to these services. Furthermore, the combination of COVID-19 related stressors and the increased likelihood of adverse childhood events experienced by urban youth creates conditions for the exacerbation of mental health concerns among youth in metropolitan areas. The following article will explore the role of SBHCs as community agents focused on prevention and reduction of mental health concerns prior and during the current pandemic, as well as existing health disparities experienced by urban youth populations. The authors will also discuss research examining mental health concerns already present in global populations affected by COVID-19 as it may foreshadow the challenges to be faced by U.S. urban youth. Lastly, the authors describe recommendations, practice implications, and opportunities for preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions in school based health settings. Impact and ImplicationsSchool based health centers provide health care services to youth and their families. Times of crisis often result in school closures preventing access to vital services during times of increased need for physical and mental health care. The role of school based health centers and recommendations for interventions addressing mental health concerns in youth during COVID-19 are discussed.

Chronic Health Condition Management and School-Based Health Centers in New York: Findings From the 2020 School Health Profiles Survey

“…The present study results indicate that 33% of public secondary schools in NY report having a SBHC, and 67% do not. While the proportion of public secondary schools in NY that report having a SBHC is proportionally smaller than schools that report not having a SBHC, prior research supports SBHCs as one approach to providing care for students without regular access to healthcare or those who are uninsured or underinsured (Cutuli, 2022; Gallardo et al, 2022; Habiyaremye et al, 2021; Terepka et al, 2021).…”

“…The utilization and presence of SBHCs are associated with positive aspects of student health services and educational outcomes. Healthcare examples include preventive services and CHC management, such as physical and mental health screenings, increased vaccinations, decreased asthma morbidity, and decreased emergency department use and hospital admissions (Beierwaltes et al, 2023; Cutuli, 2022; Gallardo et al, 2022; Geierstanger et al, 2021; Habiyaremye et al, 2021; Hussaini et al, 2021; Knopf et al, 2016; Love et al, 2019; Ryst & Joshi, 2021; Shah et al, 2020; Sullivan et al, 2022; Terepka et al, 2021; Thomas et al, 2020). Research supports the awareness that the presence and use of SBHCs improve academic outcomes.…”

A narrative review into the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on senior high school adolescent mental health

“…Counselors at schools need to adapt to the COVID‐19 pandemic situation by providing online intervention services to help students overcome the psychological problems they are experiencing (Karaman et al, 2021 ). For example, they can work with schools and governments to develop multilayered mental health intervention programs in the education system (e.g., multitiered approach) that includes universal mental health interventions (Tier 1), intervention services for small groups (social or academic groups; Tier 2), and individual and family therapy based on the students' needs to address the most significant mental health problems (Tier 3; Terepka et al, 2021 ).…”

Unmet dental needs in children following suspension of school-based oral health services due to COVID-19

“…For oral health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends school sealant programs [11], and other approaches to school-based dental care are similarly effective [12]. Closures of SBHCs and other school health programs to mitigate the spread of the pandemic meant that these vital services for children were inaccessible [13, 14].…”