Karen Hurst - Certified CHW
Room 1214
978-281-3901 p
978-281-3907 f
karen.hurst@lahey.org
The School Based Health Center (SBHC) at Gloucester High School 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 strength-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.
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 Health Center professionals 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.
Physicals- needed for participation in school, athletics, or work.
Sick Visits- such as cough, strep throat, rash, sprains, headache, & abdominal pain.
Personal Health Care- confidential care and screening related to healthy relationships, high risk behaviors, and weight management.
Student Workshops/Education Programs- Healthy Lifestyles, Walking Club - gym credit recovery, Youth Advisory Council
Free Shelf Pantry - The Free Food Locker
Referrals- provide referrals for medical care specialists, mental health providers, and social services.
Health Education on a variety of important topics is provided by the SBHC's nurse practitioner to individuals in the classroom setting.The
Counseling is also offered around adolescent health issues because basing your decisions on reliable information can help you lead a healthier life.
Mental health counseling and referrals, when needed, are available for many problems and concerns you may have, such as:
Depression
Stress
Relationships with family, friends and teachers
Drug and alcohol abuse
Suicidal thoughts and feelings
Your self-esteem (how you feel about yourself)
We are a specialized teen health clinic that is a branch of Addison Gilbert Hospital and supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It is staffed by an experienced, certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Nurse practitioners provide medical care. They are registered nurses and have advanced education and training in specialties such as pediatrics and family medicine. They are licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and can prescribe medications.
You can make an appointment by stopping by the Student Health Center, Room #1214. Appointments are made to accommodate student's class schedule. 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.
No student will be denied health services because he or she cannot pay for them. Your Health Insurance will be billed for visits. No money is exchanged in our office. Co-pays will be billed to your home, and referrals from your primary care doctor may be required. If you do not have insurance, we can assist you with financial counseling.
All information is kept confidential except when the student is a danger to herself or himself or to others. The SBHC staff and school nurse will not tell anyone why you came to the School Based Health Center.
Yes, permission slips will be sent home on the first day of school and will be on the backside of all health and emergency information forms. 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. However, if you do not have a signed consent form, your school nurse is available as always to access medical problems.
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.