When a school is more than just a school: Improving school‐based health in the wake of COVID‐19

Abstract

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has posed tremendous challenges for economies and individuals around the world. At the same time, it has also laid bare the blatant and growing inequities that many individuals, particularly children, are confronted with on a daily basis. With communities in lockdowns and schools going virtual in many parts of the United States, the important role that schools and school‐based services play in the lives of many children have gained new attention. Nonetheless, only 3% of American schools have school‐based health centers on campus, and they remain relegated to the fringes of both health care and education. One key limitation has been the lack of appropriately trained health‐care professionals. Over the past 2 years, we have interviewed dozens of individuals about their experiences in school‐based health centers. Based on this study, we explore what it means for a health‐care professional to work in school‐based health care and how it differs from more traditional health‐care settings. Our analysis particularly focuses on training and education, work environments, and their unique demands that come from being embedded within the educational setting. We conclude by addressing the important role that governmental policies could play in augmenting this crucial workforce.

Maryland School Health partners' Perspectives on the Impact of COVID‐19 on School Health Services for Grades K‐12

“…In the wake of COVID-19, addressing student mental health needs represents a persistent challenge for some school health programs, especially in combination with staffing shortages. 30 Additional external partnerships, school-based interventions, and funding resources will be necessary to support school programs in addressing ongoing mental health and behavioral health needs of students. In addition, education and public health leadership should recognize the impact of COVID-19 on school health staff.…”

“…With a return to in‐person learning, there may be benefits of continued telehealth programs, especially for certain service types (eg, mental health, sick visits) or to increase parent engagement. In the wake of COVID‐19, addressing student mental health needs represents a persistent challenge for some school health programs, especially in combination with staffing shortages 30 . Additional external partnerships, school‐based interventions, and funding resources will be necessary to support school programs in addressing ongoing mental health and behavioral health needs of students.…”

Ten health policy challenges for the next 10 years

“… 9 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the ongoing opioid epidemic only increased these barriers, particularly for children. 10 Moreover, many individuals lack the means of transportation as well as other resources to access medical care when needed. 11 Government policies, like the enforcement of immigration restrictions via interior border checkpoints, only further exacerbate these challenges.…”