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Home › Living Healthy › School Based Health Centers: Hamden › Frequently Asked Questions about Hamden High School's SBHCFrequently Asked Questions about Hamden High School's SBHC
School Based Health Center at Hamden High School FAQ's
IF MY CHILD ALREADY HAS A PEDIATRICIAN, WHY WOULD I ENROLL MY CHILD?
#1 CONVENIENCE! The School Based Health Center is right at school. If your child wakes up with a sore throat, a quick strep test (and a culture) can be done right at school. If it is positive, antibiotics can be started right away.
#2 COMFORT! Many adolescents begin to outgrow the pediatrician’s office. At the SBHC, the adolescent can talk to a clinician who has received special training in adolescent growth and development. The child does not have to travel very far for help. A special relationship with SBHC staff can be developed. We are there every day for children who need a little extra support.
#3 COST! Most of the time, you do not pay for the care. For most families, there are no out-of-pocket fees as they are covered by grant funds. This includes co-pays. However, there are a few commercial insurance companies that require mandatory co-pays. If this is the case, we will bill you for the co-pay.
HOW WOULD I ENROLL MY CHILD?
The form you need to fill out to enroll your child is listed on the right hand side of this page. Print it out and return it to the SBHC by mail (Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven 06473), in person or by fax (203 248-6671).
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCHOOL NURSING AND THE SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER (SBHC)?
The school nurse role is very important for school health. Our role begins where the school nurse’s role ends. School nurses can assess and recommend. SBHC staff can diagnose and treat. We work very closely with the school nurses and communicate information as allowed by law.
HOW IS THE SBHC FUNDED?
The SBHC is funded through a CT Department of Public Health Grant. In addition, the clinic receives some reimbursement for services from insurance companies. Occasional grants from community organizations also help to fund services.
WILL I STILL HAVE CONTROL OVER MY CHILD’S HEALTH CARE?
Sometimes parents are concerned that they will lose control of their children’s health care if they enroll them in the SBHC. The staff attempt to involve parents in the care process, when necessary. Can we call you every time your child comes down to the SBHC? No. This would not be practical. Services provided to your child are also confidential to your child, for their own protection. If there is a particular service or type of care that you do not want your child to have, you can complete the exclusion line on the enrollment form.
SBHC NEEDS YOU!
The SBHC is owned and operated by Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD), a regional health department serving the towns of Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge. While it is the QVHD Board of Directors who ultimately have the responsibility for decisions regarding the clinic, an Advisory Committee meets periodically (two to three times per year) to review operation of the clinic and make recommendations to the Board of QVHD. The Advisory Committee is comprised of professionals and consumers from the town. If you are interested in joining, please let us know.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE FLU VACCINE LETTER/CONSENT FORM TO PARENTS?
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CALL ALI MULVIHILL, CLINIC COORDINATOR (203) 248-4528.
