Getting a cleaning, or even a check-up, is just a walk down the hallway for students at Westhill High School.

Students like Junior Jessica Michelotti, can use the School Based Health Center for free, thanks to funding from the nonprofit Family Centers.

There’s other reasons students use the center…Whether it’s because they need a physical, or vaccine, or even someone to talk to.

Last year, over 300 students used the health center, with over 1,000 visits.  The National Assembly on School Based Healthcare reports most recently in 2008, there were close to 2,000 clinics and programs connected with schools nationwide.

The goal of the national school based program is to make sure children and adolescents are healthy and learning at their fullest potential.

After parents sign a permission slip, their children can receive access to the health center for 4 years, or while in school. 

There are also clinics located at Stamford High School, Dolan Middle School, and Rippowam Middle School, which includes access for students at AITE.  The first clinic was opened at Stamford High in 1990, and then at Westhill in 1992. 

 February is national school based health centers awareness month.