School-Based Health Services in Virginia and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Schools have a long history of delivering health services, but it is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted this. This study examined changes in school-based health services and student needs before and during the pandemic and the factors important for delivering school-based health services. METHODS: A web-based survey regarding the impact of the pandemic on school-based health services was distributed via email to all 1178 Virginia public elementary schools during May 2021. RESULTS: Responding schools (N = 767, response rate = 65%) reported providing fewer school-based health services during the 2020-2021 school year than before the pandemic, with the largest declines reported for dental screenings (51% vs 15%) and dental services (40% vs 12%). Reports show that mental health was a top concern for students increased from 15% before the pandemic to 27% (P