Louise Slaughter: “School-based health care centers represent a partnership between community health care organizations, such as local…”

“School-based health care centers represent a partnership between community health care organizations, such as local hospitals, health centers and public health departments, school systems and parents. The programs are designed by the community. The scope of service, including reproductive health, is determined by what health care providers, school officials, parents, and other community members feel is necessary to combat health-compromising behaviors and inadequate and unaffordable access to competent and caring physical and mental health services for school-aged children. The ability to provide these services with public family planning and primary care resources is vital to these few programs. Their ability to offer adolescents needed reproductive health care should not be constrained by Congress. This decision should remain one of local control and oversight.”