We are pleased to announce that the Northville Public School Board voted to move forward with planning for the inclusion of School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) at Hillside Middle School and Northville High School. Over the past several months, Northville Public Schools has actively forged community partnerships to address the evolving needs of our students and communities. Through extensive discussions with local health and wellness providers, a significant opportunity has emerged to enhance our student support initiatives in collaboration with Michigan Medicine.
This collaboration, coupled with grant funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), has paved the way for the introduction of two School-Based Health Centers in Northville Public Schools. The startup costs, covered by the grant, impose no ongoing direct costs to the district, aligning with our commitment to the fiscal and well-being interests of NPS families.
Next Steps:
- Northville Public Schools will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which outlines requirements for NPS and Michigan Medicine.
- Develop a stakeholder workgroup to outline processes and procedures, including staff and parent manuals.
What is a School-Based Health Center?
A School-Based Health center is located in a school building and provides physical and mental health care year-round, during the school day. Students must have a parent consent on file and make an appointment to receive healthcare services. Research shows that a School-Based Health Center increases student health, which leads to successful academic outcomes for all students. In addition, experienced practitioners that work in School-Based Health Centers believe in developing strong family partnerships, promoting community values, including academic excellence, and working to build those essential connections. A School-Based Health Center does not replace primary care relationships. A School-Based Health Center can address a myriad of health issues to support student health and wellness, leading to improved academic outcomes for all students.
Quick Facts about School-Based Health Centers:
- Every child or adolescent 21 years of age and under must have a consent on file AND must make an appointment to visit a School Based Health Clinic.
- All health care providers, including School-Based Health Center providers, are required to follow the minor consent law for adolescents aged 14-17.
- A School-Based Health Center cannot and does not provide any contraceptives.
- It is against the law for practitioners in a School-Based Health Center to discuss abortion or provide abortion services.
- Practitioners at a School-Based Health center must have parental consent to prescribe medication or administer vaccines. The sole exception is treatment for a confirmed STI under the minor consent (14-17 year olds) law.
- Building security protocols must be followed during appointments with each child and adolescent patient during clinic hours. The clinic only operates during the school day.
- Licensed Master’s Social Workers (LMSW) provide clinical services which include assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
Below are two informational resources:
Look for updates to our website informational pages in the coming weeks!