The Office of Whole Child Supports is working to expand school-based health services to rural communities in Georgia. The goal is to provide students the best opportunity to succeed by addressing medical, behavioral, dental, and vision health needs. School-based health centers (SBHCs) are proven to be an effective method for addressing these needs by meeting students where they are – in school. This model of healthcare delivery helps to eliminate barriers such as transportation, accessibility, and cost for children and families living in communities with little to no access to healthcare.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Related to SBHC Services
- Parental/legal guardian consent and notification are an essential – and required – part of delivering services to students through SBHCs.
- Parents and legal guardians have the right to utilize SBHC services as they see fit, with the freedom to choose or opt out of services offered.
- Parents and legal guardians can request and receive health information and records for their child at any time. Student health data must follow federal FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines.
Parents and legal guardians can terminate services through the SBHC at any time. GaDOE SBHC Consent for Minors Form
Updates / Recent News
The School-Based Health Center Planning Grant, Round 2 is intended to support a one-year planning process to explore the establishment of a school-based health center within CSI, TSI, and Promise Schools, and all rural districts. This grant funds a one-year planning process, up to $10,000, between Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and their schools, a medical sponsor, and the community. The total amount available to each school that follows through with the planning and startup of a new school-based health center is $1 million. LEAs may apply on behalf of an eligible school in their district. Click here for more information.
Please visit the links below to learn more about school-based health centers.
