Ohio School Based Health Care Association

Ohio School Based Health Centers: Bringing High Quality, Affordable Health Care Services Directly to Children 

The 26 school based health centers (SBHCs) in Ohio bring the doctor's office into the school so students avoid health-related absences and get support to succeed in the classroom. Students perform better when they show up for class, healthy and ready to learn. Parents, a partner with SBHCs in all aspects of care, are able to remain at work and know that their children are receiving needed health care services.

SBHCs may vary around the state, based on community need and resources.  Most in Ohio offer comprehensive physical and mental/social health care services. Some, including locations in the Cleveland and Columbus areas, are mobile units able to travel to several schools during set times in any given school-week.

Ohio SBHCs do share some similarities, including:

• They are located in or very near schools

• They work cooperatively within the school to become an integral part of the school and include administration, teacher, parent and community involvement

• They provide a comprehensive range of services that meet the specific physical and behavioral health needs of the young people in the community.

• They employ a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for the students:  nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, social workers, physicians, alcohol and drug counselors, and other health professionals.

• They provide clinical services through a qualified health partner such as a hospital, health department, federally qualified health center (FQHC) or medical practice.

• They require parents to sign written consents for their children to enroll in the SBHC

• They are voter-supported nation-wide

 For more information on SBHCs or if you have additional questions, please contact OSBHCA executive director Carrie Baker.

Reports, Data and Statistics on Ohio and National SBHCs

Please utilize these links, downloads and resources to learn more about school based health centers in Ohio and nationally.

Prescription for Success: How School Based Health Centers Affect Health Status and Healthcare Use and Cost

State of Ohio Census Fact Sheet 2004-2005

National Census Data on SBHCs

State by State SBHC Funding Data