School based Health Centers

SBHCs are a common model used nationally and locally to increase access to preventative and acute healthcare services for young people in public school settings. There are currently more than 30 SBHCs operating in neighboring King County and over 65 operating in Washington State, while only 2 in Snohomish County thus far. The SBHC model involves converting/remodeling current school space to provide health services (medical, dental, mental health) for students. School-based health centers remove financial and logistic barriers that often go hand-in-hand with access to traditional health service delivery. 

Some of the final logistics like opening dates and hours of operation are yet to be determined, but we are anticipating mid to late 2025.

CHC is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center that has been providing high quality healthcare services in Snohomish County for 40 years. As a non-profit, they operate with the mission to provide our diverse community with access to high quality, affordable, primary health care and provide medical, mental health, dental, and supportive services in 7 locations throughout Snohomish County. CHC provides care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, and are always accepting new patients.

The SBHC’s are classified as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s).  After the county acquires the approval and funding for each SBHC, the staff will be hired, paid, and evaluated by CHC of Snohomish County.  All equipment and renovations will be provided with the acquired funding.  Other than providing the space and allowing access school utilities (electricity, water, heat, phone, internet), there are no startup or direct continuing costs for the district.

CHC will provide the staffing and management of the health center. We are providing the space.

The concept is centered on the belief that schools can play a pivotal role in addressing health issues by offering services such as chronic disease management, preventive care, immunizations, dental screenings, and athletic physicals. Students will receive no more than they would receive at a medical clinic, which is based on what is allowable by Washington State Law.

Any student enrolled in Cascade or Everett High School can use the SBHC. Students must be registered and submit a signed consent form to receive school-based health services.  

Parents will register students for most services and can do so online.  CHC involves parents as much as possible in our school-based health services, promoting parent involvement. They coach students about how to talk to their parents about their health questions and concerns and encourage them to do so. When engaging parents is not an option for the student, CHC will follow Washington State Minor Consent laws, which outline what services minors can access confidentially without parent/guardian consent, and at what age. See the resource at WashingtonLawHelp.org: When can a minor access health care without parental consent?

There is no out-of-pocket cost for students accessing services at the SBHC. Health insurance, if available, will be billed for eligible services, but neither students nor their families will be billed for any remaining balances.

Care provided by school nurses and SBHCs are complementary. School nurses are responsible for the day-today oversight and management of the entire student population’s health within their school buildings. SBHCs provide primary, behavioral health and other healthcare services such as dental care to enrolled students. The school nurse will be able to refer students to school-based health services if needed for follow-up care, immunizations, sports physicals, etc.

As a separate healthcare entity, CHC is required to follow all privacy laws for care provided at the SBHCs. This means that under HIPPA, some information cannot be shared by CHC to school staff, including the school nurse, except as allowed by federal and state law. CHC understands that under FERPA, the school staff cannot share certain information about the students with CHC. An overview of these regulations is available here.