LAUSD's School-Based Health Centers Are Major Safety Nets
Of California's 231 school-based health centers (SBHCs), more than 70 are located within the greater Los Angeles region. With attention placed on prevention and early intervention, these needed clinics provide at-risk students with a combination of safety-net services. Experts say this effective partnership between a school district and a community health organization is recognized as a key component to ensuring top-quality education.
"We provide services to mostly uninsured and underinsured children in high-priority geographic areas," said Dr. Rosina Franco, a school physician at the Theodore Roosevelt High School and Hollywood High School wellness centers. "Because of our location, in the schools we are able to eliminate common barriers related to access."
What types of services do you offer?
"We provide a variety of services, such as sports physical exams, administration of vaccines, treatment of minor and acute illnesses, mental health services, reproductive health care services, and health education. We make appropriate referrals to local agencies, when we are not able to provide a service. These services are available via access to Medi-Cal through the Gateway program, through contracts we have with a couple of local health insurance programs, or for free for those who qualify."
How have SBHCs grown since the Obama administration?
"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), SBHCs have received funding to improve and expand delivery of services to the underserved. Additionally, the development of partnerships, like the one between the Los Angeles Unified School District and The L.A. Trust, has added to the commitment and growth of SBHCs in Los Angeles."
How will SBHCs change by 2022?
"Because of the support SBHCs have received from the ACA and local agencies, I would expect the number of clinics in the schools to continue to grow and that the services will continue to serve not only the students at the schools, but also the surrounding communities."
What should aspiring health care workers know about careers at a SBHC?
"They need to know that SBHC jobs can be obtained not only through the local school district, but also through community agencies currently working with the school district's clinics."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.