A special ceremony helped usher in the latest school-based health center (SBHC) in Northwest Louisiana. The event unfolded in the halls of Bossier High School Wednesday morning with a ribbon cutting event. The center is effectively a doctor’s office on school grounds.
Statewide, the Louisiana Department of Health oversees 57 SBHCs in 25 parishes at 76 schools in collaboration with 20 sponsoring agencies. In Caddo and Bossier Parish schools, the David Raines Community Health Center now operates 17 SBHCs with the addition of Bossier High’s clinic opening.
While speaking during a brief news conference before Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony, David Raines Development Director Andrea McKnight explained to those gathered that, “This health center is more than just a building. It’s a promise. A promise that every child, regardless of the circumstances, will have access to the care they need right here at school.”
Bossier Parish Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland also told the gathering about the process of identifying the so-called "medical deserts" of Bossier Parish, areas where there is a lack of affordable and accessible health care for local families. "And right here at Bossier High and in this community in central Bossier, we said, 'man, there's a tremendous need for this. And so, not only here at Bossier but also at Rusheon, and then we have a mobile unit that serves two of our elementary schools as well. And we're hoping to get another mobile unit to serve some more schools sooner than later, right? because this is incredible service for our kids."
Education and health officials describe SBHCs as an effective tool to help shorten students’ time away from instructional time and decrease absences. Services include routine check-ups, immunizations, preventive care, mental health counseling, and more. A signed consent form from a parent or guardian is required. There are no out-of-pocket costs for students receiving services. SBHCs bill Medicaid and private insurance companies to help cover the cost of operating the centers.
Officials say students without insurance coverage receive the same level of care. Many school-based health centers offer care on a sliding scale based on family income. Depending on the center and your situation, care could be free. The state also stipulates that students without insurance coverage will receive information on how to apply for insurance. SBHCs do not replace or compete with school nurses or counselors.
Within the David Ranes school-based program, participating schools in Caddo and Bossier Schools include: Atkins Elementary, Bossier High, Broadmoor STEM Academy, Fair Park Preparatory Academy, J.S. Clark Elementary, Keithville Elementary/Middle, Linwood Charter Elementary/Middle, Oak Park Elementary, Rusheon Middle, Turner Elementary & Middle, Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle, Woodlawn High, Bossier Elementary, Caddo Middle Career & Technology Center, Creswell Elementary, Queensborough Elementary, RV Kerr Elementary.
