About Us
About SBHC'S
Meeting Dates & Minutes
Join Us
Contact Us
AZSBHCC Fact Sheet
Mission
To support and advocate for school-based health centers throughout Arizona.
Who Are We?
We are the operators, collaborators, and supporters of School-Based Health Centers in Arizona. We represent organizations that provide basic, primary health services in more than 90 school sites throughout Arizona. The Council is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization incorporated in Arizona.
What Is Our Purpose?
The Council promotes the expansion and improvement of health care services in schools for student success. We value collaboration with parents, teachers, and health and social service professionals. The Arizona Department of Health Services recognizes the Council as the State’s planning and coordination entity for school-based health care.
What Services Are Provided By School-Based Health Centers?
School based health centers provide primary health care services such as treatment for acute conditions like sore throats and earaches, chronic disease management like asthma, and preventive services like immunizations, physical examinations and health education. The conditions most frequently treated are ear and upper respiratory infections and asthma. Centers are staffed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and/or physicians who work in partnership with school nurses, teachers, and other school staff members.
Service Locations, Funding, And Client Characteristics.
Most SBHCs are located in urban, middle schools. 45% are located in rural areas. It is estimated that more than 20,000 youth receive services from the SBHCs every year.
Funding is provided by hospitals and hospital foundations, public entities (Primary Care Services – ADHS, County Health Departments, federal government), and from school districts and private foundations.
Over 82% of the children who use SBHC services are uninsured Arizona residents. Students receive services free or are charged on an ability to pay, sliding discount basis.
Contact Persons
Dena Dixon, President 623-869-8985
James Washington, Past President 602-246-5853
Bonnie Gance-Cleveland, Treasurer 602-496-0908
Anna Alonzo, Secretary 602-989-9353
Sheila Mehlem, Board Member 623-435-6681
Our Mission
Education
Educate the public about health status of children and important part played by school based health centers.
Advocacy
Advocate on local, state, national level to improve quality of care, improve health of children and secure funding for school based health centers.
Professional Development
Provide trainings, discussion, forums, information sharing, collaborative initiatives provide SBHC staff and other members with knowledge and skills to strengthen services they provide.
Networking
Facilitate collaboration with schools, public agencies, community organizations to enrich SBHCs by sharing ideas and providing avenues for problem solving.