School Based Health Centers Announced

Originally Published: February 2, 2023

During the Board of Health meeting on Tuesday, Dr. Brewster of the St. Mary’s County Health Department provided information about a newer healthcare resource in the county–school-based health centers.

The health centers are located at Spring Ridge and Margaret Brent Middle Schools and offer a variety of services. SMCPS Students and Staff can use these centers during school hours. Staff will contact parents during the process and ensure they are kept informed. Staff can also coordinate with a student’s primary care provider. This is a great resource that saves time for parents/guardians because it limits time needed away from work and can save a trip to a local urgent care where wait times are long.

Sports physicals are available at these centers–another great benefit for students who participate in school sports.

Community members can access the services at the school-based health centers after school dismissal. Dr. Brewster stated that more resources (i.e. funding) are needed to expand hours into the evening and the weekend for the greater community to take advantage of these centers.

Current hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.

This type of healthcare solution is exactly what is needed in St. Mary’s County, which is a designated healthcare provider shortage area. The Commissioners can take an easy step towards improving healthcare access by providing the funding for expanding hours at these centers.