The need for teen health centers
School-based/linked health centers help to keep our community's youth safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
Adolescents (ages 10-19) are the only population in the United States that has experienced a rise in mortality (death) and morbidity (illness) in recent years. Unfortunately, adolescents also utilize health care services less than any other age group and are least likely to seek medical care at a provider's office. The majority of behavior patterns that pose lifelong health risks begin in adolescence. School-based/linked clinics eliminate obstacles of transportation, scheduling, and economics. They enable teenagers to receive the physical and mental health services they need -- when they need them. The clinics' unique combination of medical care and counseling with strong health education reinforces healthy lifestyles and promotes the prevention and early intervention of serious problems.
Seattle Public Schools data from 2010 Healthy Youth Survey and Youth Risk Behavior Survey:
| . |
8th grade
|
High school
|
| At least 60 minutes of physical activity on at least 5 days of the week |
47%
|
39%
|
| Depressed at least 2 weeks at a time in past year |
24%
|
22%
|
| Ever had sexual intercourse |
16%
|
30%
|
| At last sexual intercourse: |
.
|
.
|
| Used a condom |
---
|
58%
|
| Used birth control pills or Depo-Provera (Depo) |
---
|
36%
|
| Used a condom plus birth control pills or Depo |
---
|
13%
|
| Used marijuana in the past month |
10%
|
21%
|
| Overweight or obese |
23%
|
21%
|
| Has not had a health care check up when not sick or injured in the past year |
39%
|
37%
|
| Has asthma |
10%
|
10%
|
|
