What’s in the Student Health Center? (2024)

What’s in the Student Health Center? (1)

The Student Health Center, a partnership of Portland Public Schools with the Multnomah County Health Department, is located a couple of steps away from the main entrance of Franklin High School. It is open to serve all school-aged kids in Multnomah County from kindergarten through 12th grade at no charge regardless of health insurance status. Most importantly, they also provide confidential care to students.

The Student Health Center is like a full-service doctor’s office. They offer services such as sports physicals, lab testing, COVID testing and vaccinations, school-required immunizations, screenings, prescriptions, medications, mental health counseling, reproductive health counseling, and even dental cleanings. Student Health Center practitioner and primary care provider Amanda Cort says: “[it might be] more convenient to come here than your primary doctor or if you don’t have a primary care provider [since] basically anything you do there, you can do here.” Cort has been working with the Student Health Center since 2013 and currently executes the diagnoses, exams, and prescribing at the center. Alongside Cort is licensed practical nurse Justin Kuunifaa. “He does the shots. He calls the shots. He does the blood draws, he does the vital signs. He basically keeps this place running,” Cort says, referring to Kuunifaa. Cort also adds, “I think of us as sort of specialists in the health care of school age and adolescence, because that’s all we do.”

With mental health, including behavioral health, and reproductive health being huge concerns for many teenagers, affecting life both outside and in school, it is important to be aware that there is a place in school that offers services for both concerns. In a survey conducted by the Franklin Post, an anonymous respondent said that they don’t think the Student Health Center and the services they offer are advertised enough. “I feel they should promote it more because not many people really care about it or would take it seriously since it’s a school Health Center,” they added.

The Student Health Center offers both mental health and behavioral health services, with mental health services being long-term services, while behavioral health services are more short-term treatments for what’s going on with students at the moment. The Center has a therapist who supports students’ mental health. The students also typically start with being established with care with Cort. “Just because a lot of times the things that are going on in your body and in your mind are related to each other. And I can sort of help you figure out which would be the best for your mental health or behavioral health,” Cort says. Additionally, the center’s behavioral health services teach students coping strategies like relaxation techniques, provide some tips about sleep, or help manage any medical problems students may have. “So it’s really a great model for young people like yourselves, because in my experience, teenagers are really amazing at making changes in their lives, and really a lot more open to new information and able to sort of take that in and bounce back and be resilient,” Cort states.

Kuunifaa expresses that reproductive health is also a hugely sought-after service mainly because of the age group that they work with. Students from the age of 12 can come for reproductive health services, which may include contraceptives, counseling, or STD testing, with full confidentiality from anyone including parents. They provide every kind of birth control for free, from condoms to IUDs. Consultations, insertions, and explanations of all methods are also provided here. These services are great for young people because they might not have as many financial resources. Cort, however, emphasizes that it would be concerning if someone under 12 walks in to ask for those services; they might get some adult involvement unless they asked for educational purposes.

On top of that, the Student Health Center also provides physical health services, which include care for common illnesses that need immediate care, COVID testing, and vaccinations. They also offer preventative care for potential future illnesses and sports-related injuries. Another service they offer is gender-affirming care, where they provide binders and referrals for hormone therapy.

The Student Health Center is open all school days and students can either walk in or make an appointment. They also have an after-hours advice line with the Multnomah County Health Department with a 24-hour nurse and non-automated advice line to help triage students and help decide if they can wait or if they need to go to the hospital. Cort also adds that students should sign up for MyChart, a free online app and website where patients can check their medical records and book an appointment, so they can send confidential emails anytime, day or night. Kuunifaa adds that students can also use MyChart to read and go through their test results and visits. “So the great thing about this is that all the services are under one roof. You’re getting the medical, the counseling, and all that together all in one place,” Kuunifaa adds.

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What’s in the Student Health Center? (2024)

FAQs

Is NYU Student Health Center free? ›

NYU's Student Health Center (SHC) is a campus resource and service center for all matriculated students. We offer universal, hassle-free appointment-based and urgent same-day medical and counseling services at either no cost or very reduced cost to all NYU students, regardless of insurance coverage.

Why is student health important? ›

Healthy students are better learners, and academic achievement bears a lifetime of benefits for health.

What is the importance of school clinics in the Philippines? ›

School clinics in the Philippines play a crucial role in educating students about healthcare and providing essential services 4. These clinics serve as a gateway for health professionals to engage with students, acting as both educators and service providers 4.

What is the phone number for University of Oregon health Insurance? ›

If you still have questions, call our Insurance Liaison (541-346-2452).

Is NYU free for low income? ›

No Tuition for Income Under $100,000

NYU students whose families earn under $100,000 will not pay tuition.

Do NYU students get free gym? ›

NYU Athletic Facilities

Athletic facilities are available free to all registered students. The facilities include cardio and weight equipment, a pool, a rock-climbing wall. Recreational and exercise classes are available at discounted rates.

How does health class benefit students? ›

Comprehensive health education that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health teaches students how to maintain and improve their health; prevent disease; reduce health-related risk behaviors; and develop health knowledge, attitudes, and skills that foster academic achievement, increase ...

Why do healthy students learn better? ›

Basic cognitive functions related to attention and memory facilitate learning, and these functions are enhanced by physical activity and higher aerobic fitness. Single sessions of and long-term participation in physical activity improve cognitive performance and brain health.

What are 5 ways to wellbeing? ›

Check them out below.
  • Step 1 – Connect. Connecting with others can help us feel close to people, and valued for who we are. ...
  • Step 2 – Get active. Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health. ...
  • Step 3 – Take notice. ...
  • Step 4 – Learn. ...
  • Step 5 – Give.

What is the main reason for the school clinic? ›

School-based clinics improve the health of children by providing an easy and efficient way for families to access health care. The goal of school clinics is to keep students healthy, in school, and able to achieve their full potential.

Why are school wellness centers important? ›

They provide access to caring adults and services such as primary care, counseling, mentoring, and peer-to-peer support. School Wellness Centers support teachers by assisting children and adolescents to thrive in the classroom and beyond!

Why are health promoting schools important for the students? ›

A health promoting school is one that constantly strengthens its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working. A health promoting school: Fosters health and learning with all the measures at its disposal.

Is Oregon Health Plan free? ›

The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is free health coverage from the State of Oregon. People who meet income and other requirements can get the Oregon Health Plan. OHP covers medical, dental, and mental health care. It also covers help with addictions.

How do I schedule an appointment at the UO Health Center? ›

Making an Appointment

To make an appointment with the health center, log in to myUOHealth with your Duck ID, or call 541-346-2770.

What is the cutoff for Oregon Health Plan? ›

Do you qualify?
Maximum Monthly Income by Applicant Type and Family Size
Family sizeAdults (19-64)Children (0-18)
1$2,510$1,670
2$3,407$2,266
3$4,304$2,862
3 more rows

Can you go to NYU medical school for free? ›

Scholarships. Every student admitted into the MD program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine automatically receives a scholarship to cover the full cost of our medical school tuition. No application is necessary to receive the Full-Tuition Scholarship.

Is New York health care free? ›

NYC Care is a health care program at NYC Health + Hospitals provides low- and no-cost health care services. It is available to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) to enroll in NYC Care.

Does NYU offer health insurance to students? ›

NYU requires that all students registered in degree-granting programs maintain health insurance. Most students are automatically enrolled in and charged Premium for the NYU sponsored student health insurance plan (NYU sponsored plan) as part of the course registration process.

Can I go to NYU Langone without insurance? ›

The Family Health Centers at NYU Langone provide financial assistance to patients who cannot pay for their medical care. We have an established sliding scale discount program that assures that patients have access to all the services we offer (health center's scope of service), regardless of their ability to pay.

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