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Contact Information and Location:
Contact Information and Location:
We are located in rooms 1214, 1212, 1413a
Phone numbers:
Phone Number: 978-281-3901
Fax: 978-281-3907
Contact Information:
Contact Information:
Karen Hurst - Program Manager,
Student Health Center
Room 1214
she/her
978-281-3901 p
978-281-3907 f
khurst@gloucesterschools.com
karen.hurst@lahey.org
"As the Nurse Leader for Gloucester Public Schools, I've seen firsthand the incredible impact our Health Center at GHS has on the well-being of our students. They’re more than just a clinic; it’s the cornerstone of student health, offering accessible, compassionate and comprehensive care for everyone!" - Jeffrey Parco, Nurse Leader, Gloucester Public Schools
What is the Student Health Center?
What is the Student Health Center?
We are a dedicated Teen Health Clinic that is located in Gloucester High School and is the result of a collaboration between the Gloucester Public Schools, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Addison Gilbert Hospital . The SBHC joins with existing school services to provide comprehensive in-school healthcare that is easily accessible to students. Our approach is to take care of the student’s health and well being while supporting attendance and achieving academic success. The SBHC is a safe place where students are encouraged through a strengths-based approach and motivational interviewing to discuss important personal topics such as: stress, exercise, healthy eating, alcohol & drug use, friendship, sexual health, and any other health issues.
Staffed by a Program Manager, Family Nurse Practitioner, a Licensed Social Worker, Community Health Worker, and Scheduler. The Teen Health Center is located in Rooms 1212, 1214, 1413a.
Come visit us!
What Does the SHC Offer?
What Does the SHC Offer?
You can come to the Center for routine health care, to be treated when you are ill, if you have health-related questions, or if you need counseling and social support services. The Student Health Center will not replace your primary care provider if you have one, but will try to contact the provider should you need treatment. The Student Health Center offers students primary care (general medicine) services, health education, counseling and mental health services.
Free Food Locker: Food Security Program
Through collaboration with The Open Door Food Pantry, we provide non-perishable food for free for all GHS students to take home. In-school pick-up and contactless home delivery available. Snacks are available during the school day. Every GHS student is welcome to utilize the Free Food Locker. Volunteer opportunities available!
Services provided by Linda Gipstein, NP
Physicals: For participation in athletics or work. Available during and after school hours. Students may schedule appointments in person or by emailing Linda Gipstein, NP at lgipstein@gloucesterschools.com
Sick visits: Such as: respiratory infections; headaches; stomach pain; skin problems; injuries; coughs; rashes; sprains; anxiety; and all other chronic or acute concerns. Linda will collaborate with Primary care providers as needed.
Confidential Health Care: Provides confidential screening and education for: Reproductive Health Care; Safe/Healthy peer relationships; supportive Nutrition Counseling; Sleep and Stress Management; Substance Use Screening (which includes nicotine) and Harm reduction iDecide program facilitator; all health related goal setting.
Counseling with Licensed Social Worker:
Our Social Worker (SW) offers a collaborative approach to support the whole student, including individual and group counseling to promote growth and resilience through challenges. Our Social Worker teaches skills to manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health needs. Our SW promotes social skills development, mindfulness techniques, and draws from training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Our Social Worker offers individual and group sessions.
Wellness/Education Programs:
Youth Advisory Council -YAC: is facilitated and advised by Program Manager, Karen Hurst and co-advised by NP. YAC is a Student Leadership program for the promotion of peer-to-peer teen health education; improving school climate; supporting our Free Food Locker. Community service hours awarded for participation. All students are welcome to join!
Walking Club - earn Gym credits while making the healthy choice to walk; all students are welcome to join!
em-Wave program - teaches how to de-stress and build resilience; all students are welcome to learn!
All students are welcome!
Free Food Locker
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by visiting the Student Health Center, Room 1214 and talk to our Scheduler, Kathy Reed. Walk-in appointments are also welcomed. When school is not is session (after school hours or during vacations) you can contact your primary care provider.
Appointments are made to accommodate student's class schedule.
Will the services of the Center cost anything?
Will the services of the Center cost anything?
No student will be denied health services because he or she cannot pay for them. If you do not have insurance, we can assist you with financial counseling.
Will my reason for using the School Based Health Center be kept private?
Will my reason for using the School Based Health Center be kept private?
All information is kept CONFIDENTIAL except when the student is a danger to themselves or to others. Otherwise, the SHC staff will not tell anyone why you came to the School Based Health Center.
Do I need permission to use the Center?
Do I need permission to use the Center?
Yes, consent forms will be sent home on the first day of school and will be on the reverse side of the Students Health And Emergency Information Form. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must sign the attached consent form before you can be seen at the Student Health Center.
Massachusetts State Law entitles minors to seek and receive confidential services related to pregnancy testing, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and substance abuse prevention, without parental consent.
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