After the trauma, loss and fear young people have endured during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to make sure that health services are easy to access. It is also important that young people catch up on their health needs, like vaccinations and routine checkups that may have been delayed due to the pandemic.

School-based health center (SBHC) teams partner with school nurses, teachers and staff to provide safe, appropriate, culturally-sensitive health care to youth where they already spend much of their time—at school. These health centers are full-service clinics staffed by health professionals that provide medical, mental health and dental services to help young people cope, grow and thrive. Together, health centers and schools help improve students’ health and their ability to succeed in school and beyond.

Health services at SBHCs include:

• Vaccinations, including flu shots
• Mental health counseling (help with emotional, social or behavior issues)
• Treatment of common injuries and illnesses (allergies, rashes, sore throat, etc.)
• ADHD evaluations and treatment
• Help with managing ongoing health conditions
• Annual well-child check-ups
• Camp or sports physicals
• Reproductive health services (middle and high schools only)
• Dental services
• Health insurance enrollment assistance
• Crisis intervention
• Health education
• Assistance for families seeking a primary care provider and a health care home

* Check with your school-based health center to see what services are available.

Register at a school-based health center

SBHCs are located at elementary, middle and high schools throughout Seattle and Vashon Island – find a health center in your neighborhood and register your student for services. Health center services and appointments are available to all students in Seattle Public Schools and to all students in public and private schools on Vashon. Services at SBHCs are no cost to any Seattle Public School student, regardless of insurance status.

All Neighborcare school health centers opened to in-person care for students as of September 1. Medical, dental and mental health services are available by appointment at the health center or over the phone. Register for services at a Neighborcare SBHC. To make an appointment, please call your school-based health center or email SBHC@neighborcare.org.

Funding for the health centers is partially supported by the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy of the City of Seattle and the Best Starts for Kids investment of King County.

Neighborcare Health is the largest provider of primary medical and dental services for low-income and uninsured families and individuals in Seattle. They serve more than 71,000 patients each year at 30 medical, dental and school-based clinics. Find a clinic in your neighborhood or call 206.548.5710. All are welcome at Neighborcare Health.