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Superintendent Hernandez: What is a School-Based Health Center?

With school in full gear and routines established, we all hope to minimize any disruption and or interruption to school attendance for any student.

One way Branford Public Schools (BPS) supports the community is by promoting our three school-based health centers (SBHC). You may ask, what is a school-based health center and who can use it? School-based health centers have been in Branford since 1994. They provide medical and behavioral health services to students while in school, thus avoiding...disruptions to the academic day. The centers, which are located at Murphy Elementary, Walsh Intermediate, and Branford High School are staffed by licensed nurse practitioners and clinical social workers. These professionals provide a level of care to our students, beyond those of the school nurse, school social worker, or guidance counselor. Enrollment is open to any BPS student attending one of the three schools mentioned. Once enrolled, a student is a member for the duration of his or her tenure in BPS.

The ultimate goal of the SBHC is to promote and maintain the health of children. Whether it is an acute problem, a minor issue or an emerging challenge, the SBHC immediately and proactively addresses the concern, thereby improving school attendance and minimizing family disruption. This makes for a receptive learner, a happy student, and an overall positive experience for your child. Fortunately, because Branford has three SBHCs, we are able to provide services to students throughout their entire school experience in Branford.

In today’s rapidly changing world and with the emergence of social media, students are bombarded with information, much of which distracts from learning and jeopardizes healthy emotional and physical development. The SBHC staff understands this and partners with parents, faculty, school staff, and your pediatrician in order to promote the overall wellbeing of your child. It is a comprehensive team uniquely available to you and your child in order to optimize their overall school experience and help them become confident, productive, and happy adults.

The gifted staff of licensed professionals who run Branford’s SBHC are truly exceptional. Collectively they service more than 1,600 enrolled students and they are always ready to collaborate with administrators, teachers, school support staff, and families to keep children in school and to make school a positive place where learning thrives. If you are interested in learning more about Branford’s SBHC, please contact Ms. Melanie Wilde at 203-315-3534.