Deb Piotrowski checks a student’s health at the Jamestown School Based Health Center.
Hundreds of high school students in parts of Chautauqua County are learning more about themselves than ever before - and more importantly, learning how to take care of themselves - thanks to the efforts of the School-Based Health Center.
School-Based Health Centers, such as the ones operated by The Resource Center at Jamestown High School and Pine Valley High School, serve as equivalents to having a doctor's office right in the school. Located immediately across from the nurse's office at JHS, the center provides care to kids who otherwise might not get the medical treatment they need. Thanks to the combined efforts of The Resource Center and the Jamestown High School medical team, the SBHC works to expand a student's health care opportunities.
"The rationale for this model of care is based on improving access to much-needed care for children where they spend the majority of their hours," said Julie Kohler, assistant director for diagnostic and treatment services at The Resource Center. "An SBHC offers a safe and convenient, youth-friendly environment for students to access a wide range of services needed to be well and stay in school ready to learn."
Unlike the nurse's office, an SBHC requires parents to enroll their child in the program, but there's no out-of-pocket expense to do so. Close to 700 students at JHS are currently enrolled in the SBHC, which is more than half of the student body. Approximately 25 percent of the student body is already enrolled in the newly opened Pine Valley location.
"It's important to teach these kids about their illnesses, and it also teaches them how to take care of themselves when they become adults," said Deb Piotrowski, the nurse practitioner at the SBHC in Jamestown.
"It's a great opportunity for these kids to become adults in the sense of understanding they have health care concerns. It's their body, their safety and their future. Being enrolled in an SBHC allows them to take ownership of their health and of their decisions," said Dr. Thomas Putnam, supervising physician for the SBHCs in Jamestown and Pine Valley.
SBHCs across the nation, like the two in Chautauqua County, are prevention focused, meaning they seek to stop or catch a condition early, before it becomes too costly or does more damage. To do that, the center offers several primary health care services and is also able to prescribe medication and order diagnostic testing. Those who work in an SBHC say there are several benefits to students and families.
"Parents, for instance, no longer have to leave or miss work to take their child to a doctor," said Putnam. "As long as there's parental consent, a student's health care needs are addressed right at the center."
"It's easy access. It's confidential. Students can stay in school and miss less class time than if they were to leave and go to the doctor. It also helps the teacher, in that the student is less likely to fall behind in his or her work," added Ms. Piotrowski. "It also means less emergency room visits for things like a sore throat, and we help reduce their risk factors for disease."
To help accomplish that, staff can educate students and discuss with them a number of risk-related issues, including those pertaining to sexuality, birth control, pregnancy, disease, smoking, alcohol, drugs, dental care, mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety, and overall behaviors.
"There's real value in having a student meet with a doctor and with a nurse," said Putnam. "There is a sense of respect for the students' needs and thoughts. It really is a patient-driven experience."
"The School-Based Health Center has helped me through a lot," wrote a female JHS student. "If it wasn't for the woman who helped me, I'd just be really sad and miserable all the time."
A male JHS student who enrolled last year wrote, "The School-Based Health Center has helped me get the proper medical treatment I need when I don't feel well. The staff asks me what my symptoms are and then gives me the proper medicine."
"The SBHC is a wonderful place that helps kids every day, including me. No matter what it is, they're always straightforward and will help me through anything," wrote another female JHS student.
Another female JHS student wrote, "Jamestown High's SBHC has really taught me how to take care of myself medically and responsibly. Every time I come for an appointment, I know I can trust their care."
"The key thing as you identify these problems with a child is that you can refer them to other services, whether it be mental health or dental," said Ms. Piotrowski.
In fact, the SBHC received a small grant to be able to offer dental exams, as well as administer a fluoride varnish on students' teeth to help prevent cavities. In addition, if a student doesn't have a regular family dentist, he or she can get a referral to TRC's dental clinic. The SBHC can also serve as a student's primary care physician if he or she doesn't already have a family doctor.
"We also encourage parents to get involved and take an active role in their child's health care needs," added Ms. Piotrowski.
Parents like Debra Field of Jamestown, who wrote, "My child is currently a junior at JHS, and he has been enrolled in this program since he came up to the high school in ninth grade. He participated in the school swim team and was able to have his physical right at the school with the nurse practitioner. I cannot stress enough the convenience I feel for this health center. My son and I no longer have to wait in a waiting room for hours to see a medical professional. We no longer have to write a note to get him out early from school and miss more class time. The nurse practitioner will contact my son's doctor's office to let them know her report so they are not in the dark when we need to see his regular doctor. It is my opinion that this type of program would be an asset to any school district."
Since opening its doors in May 2005, there have been two expansions to the facility. Ms. Piotrowski said she would someday like to expand the SBHC yet again to include a dental hygienist, nutritionist and a psychiatrist.
"The Resource Center is always responding to those who have unmet needs in the community," added Putnam. "Adolescents, including those who may be at risk, are the future of our country, and it's important that we make the investment in their life, health and safety."
For more information on School-Based Health Centers, or to enroll your child, call 483-4373 (Jamestown) or 988-3276, ext. 4325. Or check them out on Facebook - JHS School Based Health Center or Pine Valley School Based Health Center.