School-based health centers making difference in Greater Cincinnati area

The Cincinnati Enquirer examines school-based health centers in the Greater Cincinnati area. (Source: "More schools offer expanded health centers," Cincinnati Enquirer, March 10, 2008.) The centers, "set up to help students in medically underserved communities get basic health care they might not otherwise be able to access," are funded by the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. According to a new study from the foundation, the health of students who regularly use the centers improved to the point that they were among the healthiest in their schools.

Staffed by registered nurses and nurse-practitioners, the article states that the centers are more than old-style school nurses' offices. In addition to cuts and bruises, the centers also "perform physicals, help students manage diseases such as diabetes and asthma and hook students up with dental care, mental-health counseling and other health care." The Health Foundation is now taking applications to add six new centers at local schools over the next three years. While the initial program was only open schools offering grades K-8, the next round of applications will be open to high schools. More information on applying for the program can be found by contacting the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.