School-based Health Centers in Montana: Why They're Critical
Post Date: Sep 15, 2024
Panther Clinic
Schools have become all-in-one community centers, catering to all backgrounds and life situations. It only makes sense that these service-oriented centers of learning would incorporate other elements of wellness too, in the form of school-based health centers. But what exactly are these clinics? And how can they benefit all members of the community?
What exactly is a school-based health center?
A school-based health center brings healthcare straight to the community via in-school clinics. Services are often available not just to students, but to family members and staff too.
It makes sense to have these services available right in schools, since that’s where students spend the majority of their time. Parents don’t have to take time off work to take their kids to simple doctor’s appointments – they can attend conveniently right before or are school pick-up. And for kids, this can be an age when it’s easy for some conditions to go unnoticed or untreated without easy access to medical care.
What services do school-based health clinics typically provide?
There isn’t a limit on the types of services a school-based health center can offer. They can include branches of healthcare tying into physical and mental health, vision, and dental. They can provide a way to manage chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes and behavioral health conditions. Available services can range from basic primary medical care up to substance abuse aid or nutrition counseling.
Offerings will depend on the resources of the school, community, and partner healthcare providers. They also typically provide sports physicals, vaccines, and lab work too, setting students up for success from the start.
Find these services at school-based health centers offered in partnership with Community Health Partners.
Why are school-based health centers critical?
Healthier community members make for a healthier community, and that starts with equal access to healthcare. Students of all income backgrounds and family situations can take advantage of a clinic set up in their school. And the clinics usually take most forms of insurance while providing a sliding fee scale for those who meet income requirements.
According to the Montana Healthcare Foundation, school-based health centers are associated with improved education outcomes like:
Increased school engagement, safety and respect
Improvements in academics (GPA, test scores)
Increased teacher retention
Decreased absenteeism and tardiness
Increased graduation rates
When kids have a school-based health center right where they learn, they don’t have to miss out on as much learning time when they need to seek medical care. And parents won’t have to miss work to proactively take care of their child’s health concerns. Preventative care can easily fall by the wayside when balancing busy schedules and difficult-to-afford providers. By having affordable care accessible to all in the school, it cuts down some of the barriers to getting the medical support needed for a thriving community.
Where can I find a school-based health center in Montana?
There are now many school-based health centers around the state, including in the following communities:
Flathead County
Missoula
East Helena
Evergreen
Crow Agency
Hamilton
Belgrade
Bozeman
In Southwest Montana, The Belgrade Middle School Panther Clinic is a partnership between the Belgrade School District and Community Health Partners to bring accessible and affordable healthcare to the families and school district faculty and staff in Belgrade. It’s open to all students in the Belgrade School District, as well as their family members (parents, step-parents, siblings, grandparents), to provide top-quality care from nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified medical assistants.
Hours
Mondays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services
School and sports physicals
Evaluation and treatment of injuries and illness
Management of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and behavioral health conditions
Vaccines and labs
Contact the clinic directly for more information on making an appointment.
The Bozeman School-Based Clinics operate inside Bozeman High School and Gallatin High School. These clinics offer school-based outpatient therapy services. In partnership with the Bozeman School District and Intermountain, a licensed behavioral health therapist is housed in each school. Contact your student’s counselor for more information.
Get involved in preventative care and community-minded health at one of CHP’s school-based health centers, or get in touch with another CHP clinic in Bozeman, Belgrade, or Livingston for affordable and accessible medical care in your neighborhood. Trained professionals can answer your questions, offer options, and give you the care you need to promote a healthy lifestyle.