School-Based Health Services
Care steps away from the classroom.
At Southern West Virginia Health System, our School-Based Health Center services make it easier for students to stay healthy and ready to learn. By offering care close to the classroom, we reduce barriers for families and help minimize time away from class.
Primary Care
Our providers deliver comprehensive primary care for students, covering both routine and urgent needs. Services at school-based health centers include:
- Treatments for minor cuts, abrasions, sprains, and strains
- Care for short-term illnesses such as colds, flu, or infections
- Management of long-term conditions such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes
- Immunizations
- Sports physicals
Having providers on-site allows students to be seen quickly, reducing missed class time, and ensures that minor injuries and illnesses are addressed promptly. Providers also give guidance on growth, development, nutrition, and healthy habits. If additional care is needed, follow-up can be coordinated through a Southern West Virginia Health System health center.
Sports Physicals
Some school and athletic programs require physicals before students can participate. These exams ensure that students are healthy and able to participate safely.
At a sports physical appointment, students can expect:
- Review of health history
- Vital signs check
- Vision screening (students should bring glasses or contacts if needed)
- Basic checks of the mouth, skin, lymph nodes, pulse, respiratory, cardiovascular, and genitourinary (males only) systems
- Depression screening
Sports physicals are typically required annually. They also provide the chance for parents or guardians to ask questions about their child's health.
Southern West Virginia Health System offers sports physicals FREE of charge at School-Based Health Center locations. We also host special days throughout the year, typically during the summer, with free sports physicals at our main health centers; these dates are announced around late spring of each year.
Parents do not need to attend the appointment for students to receive a sports physical at school-based health center locations as long as a completed consent form is on file for the student.
Dental Services
Dental care is currently available at LCHS Panther Center, Logan Wildcat Health Center, and Guyan Valley Wildcat Center (on select days) to support students' oral health. Our dental team works to identify oral health concerns early, provide preventive care such as:
- Dental exams
- Cleanings
- Flouride treatment
- Dental X-rays
This helps keep students healthy and reduces class time lost due to dental issues.
Behavioral Health Services
Mental and emotional health are important parts of a student's overall wellbeing. Southern West Virginia Health System provides behavioral health services at select school-based health centers to support students who may need help managing stress, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, or other mental health challenges.
Behavioral health services are currently available at the following school-based health centers:
- Guyan Valley Wildcat Center
- Bobcat Health Center
- LCHS Panther Center
- Lincoln Education Wellness Center
Limited availability loctions:
Enroll & Consent Today
Starting care at a Southern West Virginia Health System school-based health center is simple. Families can complete a student Enrollment and Consent Form to provide necessary health information and consent for services.
Once the form is completed, students can turn in the printed form to the health center at their school and can begin accessing care steps from the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Medical care is provided by advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. they can handle a wide range of health needs, from routine checkups to chronic condition management. Dental care is provided by our dedicated dental hygienist and dental assistant.
Eligibility depends on the school and health center location. Generally:
- At schools with separate entrances open to the community, students, staff, and community members can access services.
- At schools without separate entrances, services are available only to students and staff due to security concerns.
Families should contact their local school or school-based health center to confirm eligibility and hours of operation.
Yes. Parental or guardian consent is required for care, and families will receive information about visit results and any recommended follow-up care.
Yes. No payments are collected at the school-based health centers at the time of the visit. Services are billed to the student's insurance on file, and parents or guardians will receive statements in the mail regarding billing.
Yes, a new enrollment and consent form is needed for each school year.
