A teacher referred a student to the SBHC noting extreme concerns about suicidal ideation. The student was seen ASAP and the provider on staff made an immediate referral to a behavior health staff member to conduct a mental health status exam. The provider confirmed the student was indeed suicidal, noting she had a plan to hang herself that afternoon. The family was contacted and the SBHC staff coordinated admission to the hospital. This example underscores the crucial role SBHCs have in screening and referral for students at high risk for suicide.
Onate High School (Las Cruces)
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A female student currently residing with an aunt was experiencing severe depression and anxiety and was about to be kicked out of her aunt’s home. The student had been rejected by her parents and was facing severe issues of rejection and had little to no adult mentors or role models to help her develop coping skills. Weekly sessions with the on-site behavior health provider since spring 2011 has helped the student tremendously.
The student reports, “I was smoking marijuana daily to help me deal with things, I don’t want to have to count on that; I have goals, things I want to do and that will just get in the way.” The student’s school attendance has improved to near perfect and she is exhibiting greater motivation to complete school. More importantly she is developing a sense of mastery over some aspects of her life. She is no longer at risk of failing school or being kicked out of her aunt’s home.
School on Wheels (Albuquerque)
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A 17 year old male student was seen in the SBHC for coughing and increased shortness of breath and a history of asthma. He was referred by his football coach on a Wednesday and was seen that same day. His grandparents were unable to get a same day appointment with his regular provider. The student was diagnosed with pneumonia and exacerbation of reactive airway disease. He was given an antibiotic and was also prescribed an aero-chamber to use with his inhaler. The respiratory therapy intern from ENMU provided instruction on how to use the device. The student’s health improved within hours and he was released to play football that weekend. The student missed only a few class periods from school.
Roswell High School
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A 6th grade student was experiencing severe headaches and was referred to the SBHC by a local community non-profit, ENLACE. The provider diagnosed severe tension headaches after a complete normal physical examination, including eye chart, and discussion with the student and her mother. The SBHC provider learned the family had no regular access to medical care and that the children were not eligible for Medicaid. Subsequently, the SBHC also treated a 4 year old sibling for an ear infection. This story demonstrates the importance of community partnership with local organizations to identify and serve children in need of health care. Staff at the SBHC participated in the ENLACE Health Fair to increase awareness of services and has an ongoing partnership with ENLACE staff to coordinate care for underserved families.
Mesa Middle School (El Rito)
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SBHC staff reviewed a student’s immunization record and noted he had never been immunized. Several letters to the parents went unanswered and the school administration had “given up” hope to get the student up-to-date. The SBHC staff persisted with the parents and provided one-on-one health promotion about the importance of immunization. They invited the parents to the SBHC to tour the facility and to become familiar with the role of the SBHC to identify students at risk for disease and health promotion. The parents agreed and the student began receiving vaccines in October. The SBHC staff reported, “We feel we should never give up. This one student and one step at a time can make a difference in a child’s health which ultimately affects many people. We embrace and appreciate our partnership with DOH Vaccines for Children Program.”
Escalante High School (Tierra Amarilla)
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