In 2006, Community Health and Behavioral Services of Upstate Cerebral Palsy partnered with the Utica City School District to open up the first School-Based Health Center (SBHC) in Oneida County. The SBHC at Senator James H. Donovan Middle School was opened in October after receiving approval from the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department.
The rise of School-Based Health Centers is a unique trend, one that is increasing in popularity throughout New York State, to help address health care issues for children in elementary, middle and high schools. Currently, there are approximately 200 of these centers across New York State and over 2,000 across the country. While a number of enrolled students at Donovan use the Health Center as their primary medical provider, Donovan Health Center staff will also work collaboratively with primary care physicians in order to assure continuity of care.
Any student of Donovan Middle School is welcome to enroll in the Center and there is never any out of pocket cost to the family to use these services. The Health Center is solely for Donovan Middle School students, who must be enrolled by parents or guardians to be eligible for services, which involves filling out minimal paperwork. A pediatrician, nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse and medical assistant staff the Health Center, which is open during school hours.
The School-Based Health Center provides primary and preventive health care services to students enrolled in the program. Services provided at the School-Based Health Center are outside the function of the school nurse. The School-Based Health Center manages chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes and also performs comprehensive physicals, treats infections or injuries on site. The Health Center also provides immunizations, first aid, health education and health promotion as well as performs mental health screenings, where children with mental health needs can see a Social Worker at the clinic.