A new provider will begin offering services at the Ballard High School teen health center later this month, continuing a model that has been in place at the school for two decades.
According to Neighborcare Health, while Ballard High School has had a teen health center for 20 years, the organization is now taking over as the clinic’s health care provider. Neighborcare Health operates 16 school-based health centers across Seattle and Vashon Island, serving students at a range of grade levels.
At BHS, the clinic will be staffed by a nurse practitioner, two mental health therapists, and a health center coordinator.
Beginning April 28, the clinic will offer a range of services, including evaluation and treatment of common health concerns, mental health care, reproductive health services, sports physicals, preventive care such as vaccinations, crisis intervention, referrals, and health education.
Under Washington state law, minors can access certain health services without permission from a parent or guardian.
Neighborcare Health says there is no cost for students to use the clinic. Services are funded in part by the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promises Levy and the City of Seattle, and are available regardless of income or insurance status. If a student has insurance, the provider will bill the insurance company, but families will not be charged for costs not covered.
Students must register with Neighborcare Health to use the clinic, even if they previously received care at the school-based center. Registration can be completed online through a DocuSign form or in person at the clinic.
Students and families can contact the clinic by email at SBHCBallard@neighborcare.org or by phone at 206-548-3177, or visit in person before, during, or after school.
Neighborcare Health will also host its Spring Give events in early May, including a May 2 brunch and discussion focused on place-based care, followed by a May 7 community open house at its Meridian clinic in North Seattle.
The May 7 event, titled “A Look Inside Whole-Person, Integrated Care,” will give attendees an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at how medical, dental, behavioral health, and other services are coordinated within the organization’s care model. The event is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Neighborcare Health at Meridian and will include keynote remarks from Community Health Plan of Washington CEO Leanne Berge.
Photo: Ballard High School / Google Image Capture