School-Based Health Services to Improve Youth Access to Reproductive Health Care

Abstract

School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide accessible, comprehensive healthcare to students, particularly in underserved communities, and play a critical role in addressing reproductive health needs. Despite their benefits, the availability of SBHCs remains limited across the U.S., with ongoing debates regarding their role in educational settings, especially concerning reproductive health services. This study assessed public opinion regarding reproductive health services in SBHCs within middle and high schools in Duval County, Florida. A representative sample of 605 adults was surveyed using a Random-Digit-Dialing approach, and data were weighted for analysis. Overall, support for reproductive health services was high, with 68–74% of respondents in high school and 49–57% in middle school favoring services such as STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, and providing condoms. Significant differences in support levels are noted across demographic groups, particularly by age and race. The findings indicate strong community support for implementing reproductive health services in SBHCs, highlighting their potential to improve access to essential health services for adolescents. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers to advocate for the expansion of SBHCs to include comprehensive reproductive health services, addressing health disparities among youth.