While SBHCs have been in operation in Vermont since the mid-1990s, they remain a story of grassroots organizing and are still emerging in many communities. Vermont SBHCs often look different than other SBHCs in the country in that they often operate part-time, rather than every day school is in session. Sponsors of SBHCs in Vermont are typically an area medical center, federally qualified health center (FQHC), or private practice, and patient visits are billed to their insurance. 

A 2024 assessment conducted by Vermont Local Health Office School Liaisons identified 23 schools with a SBHC. 

The types of care provided at SBHCs in VT vary: all SBHCs provide pediatric primary care, while others offer additional services such as dental care or physical therapy. Examples of conditions students are typically seen for include:

• Colds, sore throats, coughs
• Injuries
• Concussion management
• Asthma
• Anxiety & Depression
• ADHD

Students who have access to a SBHC are documented to have better health and academic outcomes, including: 

• Improved Health Outcomes
  • Better asthma care
  • Increased vaccine delivery
  • Increased likelihood of receiving well-care
  • Decreased emergency room visits
  • Increased contraceptive use
• Improved Academic Outcomes
  • Increased time in learning
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Improved Graduation rates
• Improved Economic Outcomes
  • Reduced caregiver productivity losses
  • Reduced hospitalizations
  • Reduced emergency room visits

Spring 2025 SBHC Data Brief (PDF)

• During a two-week period of spring 2025, six SBHCs in Vermont participated in an exploratory study to assess various factors associated with the use of SBHCs by students.  A total of 134 students were seen during this time, with the primary reasons for visits being Upper respiratory symptoms followed by mental health concerns.  Over 80% of students returned to class after being seen in the SBHC and an average of 3.67 hours of time was saved in learning. This project shows how SBHCs facilitate medical care for students while preventing them from missing the benefits of being in school and alleviating missed work time for parents.  

Catamount Community Schools Collaborative (CCSC) Publications and Presentations

Funding for SBHCs comes primarily from billing for patient visits.  Some Vermont SBHCs also have other revenue sources, including grants, contributions from the school district, or Medicaid Administrative Claiming reinvestment funds. 

Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP) supports SBHC providers to begin, sustain and evaluate their programs, and to build connections with others SBHCs.

Looking for support? Contact the team at SBHC@med.uvm.edu.

Vermont SBHC Peer Collaborative

The Vermont SBHC peer collaborative is a group of individuals from a variety of settings who meet quarterly in a virtual format to discuss issues relevant to SBHCs in Vermont. The Vermont Peer Collaborative is co-facilitated by the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP). Examples of past topics of these calls have included Data Collection in SBHCs, Asthma Management in SBHCs, and ways to promote and build awareness of SBHCs.  This is an opportunity for new and existing sites to meet and share experiences and resources with each other. 

To be added to the list, please contact SBHC@med.uvm.edu.

Additional Resources

A Guide to Opening a School-Based Health Center in Vermont (PDF) 

• The goal of the manual is to assist health professionals, school administrators, and any others that would like to open or expand a School-Based Health Center in Vermont.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) – Catamount Community Schools Collaborative (CCSC)
 

School Based Health Alliance

• School Based Health Alliance (SBHA) is a national organization for school-based health centers and health care. This website has a plethora of information for administrators and school staff along with helpful resources for those looking to learn about SBHCs in their area.

American Academy of Pediatrics policy on School Based Health Centers and Pediatric Practice

• The American Academy of Pediatrics has policy on how SBHCs can complement a pediatric practice’s mission to serve families and support child health.
• Additional school health resources from AAP. 

Want to see examples of SBHCs in Vermont?  Check out one of the SBHC websites below.

• Middlebury Union Highschool SBHC
• Integrated Arts Academy School Based Dental Center
• Burlington High School SBHC
• HealthHub VT