School-Based Health Center of Umatilla County 

Hours:  7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.              Telephone:  541-966-3432

Dedicated to improving the lives of children and optimizing their opportunities for success in school and society by promoting and providing quality, accessible mental health and primary health.

The School-Based Health Center is supported by the Pendleton School District, St. Anthony Hospital, Umatilla County Public Health Division, and The Commission on Children and Families. 

What is a School-Based Health Center?

A School-Based Health Center is a clinic located on a school campus operated by qualified health professionals.

Who Works Here?

Our staff includes a nurse practitioner who diagnoses and prescribes medications for health problems, a mental health counselor, a community health nurse, and health secretary.

What About Cost?

There are registration and immunization fees.  Applicable services are billed to insurance.  No one is denied services because of inability to pay. Prescriptions, laboratory work,       and x-rays performed outside the SBHC are billed by the providing facility.

What About Appointments?

Appointments are encouraged whenever possible.  Please come by before or after school, during tutorial, or lunch if you would to make an appointment.

What About Parental Consent?

Some of our services require signed consent.  We always support and encourage parental involvement in decisions about their child's health care.  Oregon State Law requires a parent's or guardian's signature for mental health services for students under 14 years of age and medical treatment under 15 years of age, with the exception of family planning information and sexually transmitted disease services.  The School Based Health Center wil not dispense condoms, birth control or provide abortion counseling.  Mental Health Sevices, including drug and alcohol issues require parental permission of the child who has not yet reached their fourteenth birthday.

What About Confidentiality?

Our health services and records are private and confidential and separate from school records.

What Services Are Offered?

• Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries
• Treatment of menstrual problems
• Diagnosis and treatment of communicable diseases
• Immunizations
• Physical examinations- routine and sports on a limited basis
• Counseling for difficulties at home and school
• Smoking priventtion and cessation
• Classroom presentations
• Referrals for health care services which cannot be provided at the School-Based Health Center
• Addiction services
• Divorce/family issues
• Education/support groups
• Eating disorders
• Vision, dental, and blood pressure screenings

Background

Starting in May 1994, twenty-eight City of Pendleton representatives began meeting to provide input to the "Vision Quest 94" process, concentrating their efforts on health center care in the Greater Pendleton Area in the next ten years.  The outcome was a decision to develop a SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER.  The long term vision is "to promote community commitment which supports a comprehensive approach to health through education, prevention, assessment and intervention."

After much input from the community, the Pendleton School District, St. Anthony Hospital, Umatilla County Public Health, Mental Health, and the Commision on Children and Families collectively developed a plan and wrote a grant.  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, through the Oregon's Health Division, awarded a four-year grant to allow the "vision" to become a reality.