School-based health centers provide comprehensive services that compliment services provided by school nurses. School-based primary health care includes physical exams, immunizations, care for acute illness and injury and for chronic conditions such as asthma. Mental health services identify problems early, reduce stigma for getting help (1) and decrease school discipline referrals.(2) Establishing a school-based health center is a community-driven process that requires multiple partnerships - between school districts, the medical and mental health communities and local and state funders - to be effective. The best part about these centers is that they put health care where most kids are - in school.

About the Program Contractor Forms Funding Planning and Evaluation Tools Resources Resources for Elementary-Aged SBHC Youth Engagement Learn and Serve America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse Elementary school students tackle health issues

Quality Standards:

Quality Standards for Colorado SBHCs

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-Assessment Checklist

Funding Contractor Information:

To find out more or to learn about establishing a program in your community contact:

School-Based Health Centers
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Prevention Services Division
(303) 692-2386  

(1)Juszczak L, Melinkovich P, Kaplan, D, Use of health and mental health services by adolescents across multiple delivery sites. J Adol Health 2003:32S:108-118.

(2) Dallas Youth and Family Centers Program: Hall, LS (2001). Final Report - Youth and Family Centers Program 2000-2001 (REIS01-172-2). Dallas Independent Schools District.

The Child, Adolescent and School Health Unit has produced a newsletter entitled Partners in Prevention, for well over ten years. The newsletter targets local public health partners and community-based service providers, providing information and resources on programs, grant opportunities, as well as best practices and research in the realm of child, adolescent and school health.

In the process of compiling the quarterly Partners in Prevention newsletter, we often come across information that would be valuable to share directly with parents and families. We have created The Partners in Prevention for Families newsletter as a vehicle for sharing information that is useful for those who care for children and youth of all ages.

To read both e-newsletters go to:

• partnersinpreventioncolorado.org