Good Morning,
The most recent highlight as we talked about at the Board meeting was our recent trip to Washington DC. Kini, Jess ( a student at Maranacook High School) and I went to DC at the request of NASBHC to meet with Senators Snowe and Collins. We wanted to share with them the impact of school based health centers on the lives of students and their families. Jess did a fantastic job of sharing her story and the importance of the health center for all students. We created plaques for the Senators thanking them for their support of SCHIP and encouraging their support(Snowe is a co-sponsor) of the Healthy Schools Act of 2009. Brooke Lehmann who works for NASHBC on the Hill spoke of the national impact and the need for financial stability.
This was Jess’ first time to DC so we were also able to see some sights during our 24 hours there. Very much a successful trip.
Many thanks to Kini and Jess for taking time…it really made a difference.
Lisa Burgess Hodkins, Ex Dir, Maine Assembly
Officers
Cindy Dolben, President
Kini-Ana Tinkham, Vice President
Cindy Flye, Secretary
Ann Skriletz, RN, Treasurer
Cathy Roland, Immediate Past President
Members at Large
Lisa Belanger, NP
Deb Curtis
Kevin Lewis, MPP
Colleen Lachowicz LCSW
Deb Nichols, CPNP
George Shaler
Beth Yvonne
The committee just voted UNANIMOUSLY “ought not to pass” on both bills! I am stunned! This means that the bills will go to the House and Senate next week and will be killed without debate. There is no chance that these bills can pass now!
You made the difference! Thank you!
Kate
Kate Brogan
Vice President for Public Affairs
Family Planning Association of Maine
Yesterday the Health and Human Services Committee held public hearings on LD #251 An Act To Protect the Safety of Maine Children by Requiring the Express Consent of a Legal Guardian To Dispense Prescription Medication to a Minor
and LD #802An Act To Require Reporting on Medical Services or Treatment Provided to Minors without Parental Consent.
Students and adults from Maranacook, Calais, Brunswick and Portland were present along with Kate Brogan and Sue McPhee from Family Planning. Chris Gorman from MYAN also joined us.
The students were great! They were very articulate and genuine in their thoughts about the impact of the bill. The committee members were clearly impressed by their presentations. I have also attached my written testimony.
The work session is on Friday and Kate will update us on the outcome. The bills will likely move on the the House and Senate. At that point, we may be back in touch to ask for your support in calling and emailing your legislator.
Lisa Burgess Hodgkins
Executive Director
Maine Assembly on School Based Health Care
Medical Care Development
The Lincoln Academy School Based Health Center, as part of its overall health and wellness program, provides mental health services to students. The students can be referred into the program through teachers, guidance counselors, primary care physicians, and parent requests. Emily was having difficulty at home and the school’s nurse practitioner suggested she try the counseling program.
According to Ricki Waltz, the Director of Health Center, “We see many students who might benefit from counseling. This is a tough age for kids and struggles are commonplace. The ability to get help right here at the school, in a confidential and comfortable setting, reduces barriers that might other-wise preclude participation, such as the lack of health insurance. The on-site service allows collaboration with teachers, guidance counselors, and medical staff, creating a better opportunity for overall progress and positive change.”
Because of United Way support to the health center, students can access mental health services at school. As a result of the counseling program, and Emily’s commitment to the process, communication and support at home has improved and there is less conflict.
See the Full Report of the Mid Coast United Way: Mid Coast United Way 2008 Annual Report
Working with Student Health Advisory Committees. Download Guide for Student Involvement
SBHCs are staffed by teams of highly qualified nurse practitioners, physicians, physician’s assistants, mental health professionals, and other health personnel. Primary Care Providers (PCPs) across the state of Maine collaborate with these health care professionals to ensure that their patients get the follow-up care, chronic disease management, and preventive care they need. Here are some ways that your local SBHC will work with you:
- SBHCs complement the care PCPs give to patients by providing risk assessments, acute care and preventive health care, and health management services.
- When one of your patients visits a SBHC, SBHC staff will contact your office in order to keep you informed of your patient’s health care status. {If your SBHC has a different or specific process, inset that here}
- If the SBHC discovers an ongoing medical issue, they will refer the patient back to their PCP so that the best course of action can be determined. {If you have other specific rules/processes for dealing with PCPs feel free to add one or two short bullets describing them.}
- SBHCs make health care accessible to students who would not otherwise visit a physician regularly. When a student with no primary care provider comes into a SBHC, staff refers him or her to a local primary care provider. When a student does not have insurance, the SBHC provides the family with information and assistance to obtain MaineCare.
- SBHC staff coordinate the whole health of the student and will share information about your patient’s mental and dental health, when possible, allowing you to have a broad overview of their health status.
- The staff at {name of your SBHC} are eager to collaborate with their students’ PCPs!. {Provide specific contact names and info for your SBHC}.
Contact information on School-Based Health Centers in Maine, and the Maine Assembly on School Based Health Care. Download: Directory Update Spring 2009
