2021 Update: Read CHI's newest analysis of Colorado's school-based health centers here!
About Colorado's School-Based Health Centers
Since the first school-based health center (SBHC) in Colorado opened in 1978, the number of children with access to these clinics has reach an all-time high. SBHCs are what they sounds like - a doctors office on or nearby school grounds, providing primary, oral health and behavioral health care to children. They are conveniently located for students and families who may struggle to get to the doctor's office otherwise.
In partnership with the Colorado Association of School-Based Health Care (CASBHC), CHI has surveyed Colorado's SBHCs since the 2006-07 school-year (SY).
Support from Colorado lawmakers, the federal government and the state’s health foundations has helped SBHCs expand and multiply. And with ongoing funding from the legislature, school-based health is poised for more growth.
- A 2021 analysis explores which areas in Colorado are most in need of new school-based health care centers.
- A 2017 report, "Mountains, Plains, Cities, Schools: An Analysis of Colorado's Rural and Urban School-Based Health Centers," dives into the differences between urban and rural SBHCs in Colorado using data from the 2015-16 school year.
- A report from CHI with data from the 2014-15 school year analyzes the role of SBHCs in our state using data from an annual survey. The report focuses on the services SBHCs provide, who uses them and the changing landscape of school-based care in Colorado.
- A 2015 Needs Assessment from CHI identifies schools and school districts that could most benefit from the addition of a SBHC. The Assessment analyzes health outcomes, insurance coverage, youth risk factors and utilization of care to determine the highest need school districts.
- A 2014 chart pack provides an summary SBHCs up to the 2012-13 school year, looking at insurance overage, services offered and the funding that helps SBHCs stay afloat.
