The first-ever Missouri-wide census of school-based health programs conducted by the Show-Me School-Based Health Alliance of Missouri reveals 57% of Missouri students have access to at least one health care service through their schools. School-based health programs provide a variety of combinations of different types of services from mental/behavioral support, physical health services, primary care, to oral and vision care. The model improves access to health care for students from communities with limited access to clinics and hospitals.
The findings show that nearly 400,000 students do not currently have access to any school-based health services, and there are demographic and geographic disparities within who does have access. For example, students eligible for Free-or-Reduced-Priced Lunch and African American students are underrepresented in the population with access to mental/behavioral health services. Additionally, there are clusters of counties in the northwestern and southeastern regions of Missouri where no students have access to school-based services. Further research is required to understand the need for services and if local stakeholders can leverage the SBH program model to address the gaps in specific populations and communities.
“The census was conducted to look at what school-based health programs exist, what services they offer, to whom they are offered, and where they are located in Missouri,” says Molly Ticknor, the Executive Director of the Show-Me School-Based Health Alliance of Missouri. “We feel it is important to assess what some of the gaps are in health services available to students and where those gaps are, as well as how we can build partnerships in particular areas of the state to further support the health care needs of our students,” she adds.
School-based health programs are generally supported by health care providers such as federally qualified health centers, non-profit/community-based organizations, hospitals, community/mental health centers and local health departments who partner with schools to provide quality health care in the school setting. Many school-based health programs also serve school district faculty and staff along with families and community members.
Ticknor says school-based health programs have become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know both the physical health and mental health needs of students have increased during COVID-19. Having a physical health or mental health professional on site who is able to assess and help address those issues has allowed students to stay in school or continue their learning virtually.”
The Show-Me School-Based Health Alliance of Missouri, a state affiliate of the National School-Based Health Alliance, supports communities in building and sustaining quality school-based health programs, by advocating that every child and youth in Missouri has an equal opportunity to succeed by assuring access to high quality health care. The census data—as well as additional information about their work—is available on their website.
