Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER– Monroe , Louisiana
St. Francis School -Based Health Center Program

What is it?
In 2007, St. Francis, in collaboration with Monroe City Schools, opened a school-based health center at Carroll Junior High School, which is located in an underserved area. Staff handle both medical and behavioral health cases. 

Who is it for?
Medically underserved adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. 

Why do they do it?
The purpose is to bring health care to adolescents who might otherwise not have access to appropriate, timely care. Goals are to provide conveniently accessible health care, disseminate health education and awareness materials, and assist the schools in creating a healthy, positive atmosphere in which students can learn and prosper.

Impact: Although the school-based health center is relatively new, it has already reduced the number of unnecessary emergency department visits, thereby freeing ED staff to treat more critically ill patients and reducing the cost of health care. For example, in fiscal year 2007, there were 2,356 ED visits from the zip code where most of the school-based health center’s students reside. As of the end of May in FY 2008, there were only 1,066. At an average of 97 visits per month, only 1,163 ED visits are expected from this zip code in FY 2008. Additionally, school attendance has increased 1.21%, and only 16 students were sent home or to the ED due to illness in the 2007-08 school year. 

Contact: Rebecca Mixon
Grant Development & Community Benefits Manager
Telephone: 318-966-4185
E-mail: rebecca.mixon@stfran.com