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School-based healthcare centers (SBHC) are playing an important role in providing equitable access to healthcare for children who are not able to access a regular medical home. Today, host, Dr. Lia Giggino talks with Dr. Sara Bode about the benefits of a SBHC and the challenges they face in ensuring that every child has access to quality care. They discuss the challenges that school-aged children face in accessing healthcare, such as transportation issues, location, and competing priorities for parents. Dr. Bode emphasizes the importance of school health in providing a safety net for children and the need for collaboration between healthcare providers and educators to ensure that children receive quality healthcare and education. This episode highlights the benefits of a partnership between the health and education systems, demonstrating how working together can improve the overall health and well-being of students. If a school-based health center is something you want in your own community, you’ll hear information on exactly how you can make it happen.        

[00:33 -15:08] The Benefits of Having an SBHC

• They provide a safety net for kids who do not have access to a regular medical home due to various reasons such as transportation issues, location or access, and competing priorities for working parents
• They can partner with primary care providers to provide comprehensive primary care to the underserved population of kids and connect them to a medical home for continued care  
• They offer opportunities for collaboration with specialty providers to provide better health outcomes for kids with chronic health conditions such as diabetes
• They can help with wraparound care and observation to identify and address underlying health issues

[15:09- 22:07]  How SBHCs Co-Manage Children's Health: Funding and Services  

• Students without an established medical home can receive care at the center
• Partnership between school-based health centers and primary care providers can support medication management and follow-up care
• School-based health providers have a unique understanding of social determinants of health for students  
• Funding for school-based health centers typically comes from traditional insurance sources such as Medicaid and private insurance

[22:08 -31:07]  The Role of SBHCs in Addressing Mental Health Care Needs for Students

• Lack of mental healthcare providers for students is a crisis in schools
• School-based health centers can be a part of the solution to bridge the gap in services
• Comprehensive primary care mental health services can be provided through school-based health centers
• Telemedicine services, such as telepsychiatry, can be used to provide care and maintain appointment attendance
• Advocacy and community pediatrics play a crucial role in transforming the systems of care provided to meet the needs of the community

[31:08 37:11]  Opportunities for Pediatricians to Get Involved in School Health 

• The AAP Council on School Health provides resources for pediatricians to partner with schools, including working with school nurses and teachers.
• The Council on Community Pediatrics offers opportunities for pediatricians to engage in advocacy and learn about community initiatives.
• The Community Pediatric training initiative offers training opportunities for pediatricians interested in tackling issues like food insecurity in their communities.
• It is important for pediatricians to keep their eyes...