Boothbay Region

School Health Center

236 Townsend Ave

Boothbay Harbor, Me, 04538

207-633-1934

February is National SBHC Awareness Month

School-Based Health Centers and Academic Success

Poor academic outcomes and high dropout rates are major concerns of educators, policy makers, and parents alike - and poor health severely limits a child’s motivation and ability to learn.   Recent research confirms that health disparities affect educational achievement.

The Facts:

Recent research confirms not only that poor health affects educational achievement, but that SBHCs can provide a solution:

• High school SBHC users had a 50% decrease in absenteeism and 25% decrease in tardiness two months after receiving school-based mental health counseling.

• SBHC users of mental health services increased their grade point averages over time compared to nonusers.

Students, teachers, and parents who have a SBHC rated academic expectations, school engagement, and safety and respect significantly higher than in schools without a SBHC.