Washington County Health Department

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School-Based Health Centers

Washington County Health Department currently offers School-Based Health Services at Western Heights Middle School, South Hagerstown High School and Williamsport High School. The Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families provides the Health Department with funds to support these programs. Washington County Health Department and Washington County Public Schools work together to support services at the Health Centers.

Children enrolled in the School-Based Health Centers may receive a variety of services including, but not limited to:

treatment of acute and chronic illnesses
health screenings
risk behavior screenings
immunizations
medication prescriptions
health education
dental screenings

School-Based Health Center services often reduce health care costs by reducing hospital emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Other benefits associated with School-Based Health Services:

a reduction in student absenteeism rates
a decrease in the amount of time parents must leave work to attend to students' health care needs

In order to evaluate students' overall health status, the American Medical Association recommends that the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services Periodic Adolescent Questionnaire (GAPS) be given to students enrolled in School-Based Health Centers. The components of this survey include:

Medical history
Development / Emotions
Eating Habits / Nutrition
School Performance
Family / Friend Issues
Weapons / Violence / Safety
Tobacco / Alcohol / Drugs
Self-Reflection
Special Circumstances

The Health Center staff will administer the questionnaire to students at school. Preview this confidential questionnaire at the American Medical Association.

Once the Questionnaire is completed, the nurse practitioner and nurse can evaluate the students for at-risk behaviors, and provide necessary health education to enhance positive decision-making skills for students' well-being and wellness.

The forms listed below are used in the School-Based Wellness Centers. Parents may download and complete these forms to enroll their child.

Information on Back-to-School Immunization Requirements is available from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The forms listed below are used for School-Based Wellness Center Dental Services, available only at Western Heights Middle School. Forms may be downloaded and completed by parents for enrollment.

All students are eligible to enroll in the Health Centers, with parental consent. For additional information, contact the school nurse at your child's school.

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Send comments and suggestions to:washhealth@dhmh.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Martin O'Malley, Governor | Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor