Churchill School-Based Health Center

Centros de Salud Clínica Escolar

What is a school-based student health center?

A school-based clinic health center is much more than the traditional school nurse’s office. Like your doctor’s office, we may offer many health and medical services to our students. Our staff includes Nurse Practitioners who can treat most health problems and prescribe medications when needed, registered nurses, mental health counselors and secretary receptionists.

Who can use our services?

All students who are enrolled in 4J schools may access clinic services. Siblings of 4J students from birth to 19 years of age are also welcome. We serve homeless youth and students from the Bethel School District as well.

What services are offered?

We can take care of most of your student’s health care needs at the school-based health centers. Services include:

What about appointments?

Appointments are encouraged whenever possible. A parent may call and make an appointment or your student is welcome to come by and schedule an appointment. Hours will be posted on the clinic door and in the school bulletin.

What about costs and billing?

We work hard to keep our costs affordable. Most services for which we charge are covered by insurance, and we will bill your insurance for you, including the Oregon Health Plan. If you do not have insurance, we offer a sliding fee discount program. Your child may also qualify for fully discounted fees. If your child has health insurance and a physician, we encourage you to maintain that relationship. If for some reason your child is unable to see their physician, we are able to bill insurance companies for most services and would be happy to see insured students who would like to utilize our clinics.
No service will be withheld due to inability to pay.

What about parental consent?

We support and encourage parental involvement in decisions about their child’s health care and make every effort to include them. It is important for parent/guardians to understand Oregon Law with regards to confidential health services for children and adolescents.

By Oregon law:
Minors who are 15 years or older may give their own consent to medical diagnostic or treatment services without the knowledge of their parents. (ORS 109.640) In those rare occasions that students do not want their parents to know that they have requested treatment, we work very actively to encourage them to inform their parents. Whenever there is a safety issue we will inform parents or if there is the likelihood of abuse we will make the legally required report to Services to Children and Families, formerly Children’s Services Division.Minors of any age who may have come into contact with any sexually transmitted disease may consent to confidential diagnosis and treatment. (OR 109.610) The law does not allow us to inform parents about the diagnostic and treatment services we provide without the consent of the minor. However, whenever students request such services, we work actively with them to encourage the student to inform their parents. The School Board has authorized the Health Centers to distribute condoms to students who already test positive for a sexually transmitted disease under certain circumstances. Parents have the right to deny this service using a form that is available at each health center.Minors of any age may receive information and services for birth control without the consent of their parents. (ORS 109.640) It is important for you to know, however, that no 4J Health Center provides or dispenses birth control devices or prescriptions. We do offer options counseling and referral services.

If you have questions about the Health Centers, the consent form, or the services we offer, please contact the Health Center in your region, chairperson of Health Services, 687-3349, or the Principal at your student’s school.