| School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) have been implemented in the United States for almost 50 years, providing medical services to underserved school-aged children. The first one in Anchorage, Alaska was approved in 2009, for a school in a neighborhood with high levels of poverty, large minority and immigrant populations, and limited access to health care. This thesis practicum presents the first evaluation of this pilot effort, including both process and formative components. Methods were mixed, including key informant interviews, surveys of parents, teachers, and students, and reviews and analysis of descriptive data and documents provided by Anchorage School District and SBHC staff. Implementation was assessed, and strengths and challenges were identified. Communication, outreach, trust, sustainability, services, access and data collection were major themes identified and addressed in the recommendations. Collaborative efforts between the school and SBHC were recognized as important in ongoing needs assessment and parental outreach for long-term sustainability. |
