LYNNWOOD, Wash., September 28, 2022—Community Health Center of Snohomish County opened a new school-based health center (SBHC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Edmonds School District’s Meadowdale High School today.
The Meadowdale High School health center is the first SBHC in Snohomish County. Representatives from the Edmonds School District, Community Health Center of Snohomish County, Verdant Health Commission, and the City of Lynnwood spoke and attended.
Meadowdale High School Principal Dave Shockley expressed his happiness that Meadowdale is the first location in the county and will eventually be open to all of the community in the area.
“Some students come with medical, dental, social, emotional health challenges,” Principal Shockley said. “This school-based health center will help us address those needs and make sure students can attend.”
The Meadowdale High SBHC was made possible by a partnership between Edmonds School District and Community Health Center of Snohomish County. Verdant Health Commission supported the launch of SBHCs in the Edmonds School District and worked with partners on implementation plans. The SBHC will also partner with other community-based service providers currently serving students at Meadowdale High School.
SBHCs provide age-appropriate primary care services, integrated behavioral/mental health services, and health education to students in school. The Meadowdale High SBHC will offer many of the same services that residents receive at a community-based clinic and services will be available to all Meadowdale High School students during the school day.
Meadowdale High School was selected by Community Health Center (CHC) of Snohomish County and Edmonds School District in part due to their distance from existing community health center access points and the surrounding community’s lower income levels compared to other high schools in the district. An SBHC meets students where they are, in schools.
Lynnwood City Councilwoman Julieta Altamirano-Crosby said although the SBHC is the first of its kind in the county, she hopes that it’s just the start to provide equitable services to all students in Snohomish County.
“We all know that students must be physically and mentally healthy before they can learn, grow, and thrive,” Councilwoman Altamirano-Crosby said. “This center will go a long way in that effort.”
The SBHC plans to initiate community Town Hall events at Meadowdale High School to learn more from the community about their needs and the services they would like to see in the SBHC. Communication will be sent out through Edmonds School District via town hall events.
Author: Mario Lotmore
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