Healthy, Happy & Ready to Learn: Gifford’s School-Based Health Centers

Helping students get the care they need—right at school.

Did you know that students in the Orange Southwest School District can receive health care at school? Gifford’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) provides high-quality health care to ensure students are healthy, happy, and ready to learn.

What is a School Based Health Center (SBHC)?

A school-based health center is a healthcare clinic located within a school. These services go beyond what is offered in a school nurse’s office. Care is provided by Kathleen Bryant, a Nurse Practitioner who sees children three days each week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  This program supports the health of children at Randolph Elementary School, Randolph Union Middle & High School, Randolph Technical and Career Center, and Brookfield and Braintree Elementary School.

Services include:

• Sick visits for common illnesses
• Minor injury care
• Physical exams and sports physicals
• Immunizations
• Management of chronic conditions like asthma
• Mental health support and treatment

Why School-Based Care Matters

By offering care at school, students can often receive attention for medical issues quickly, often before minor health concerns become larger issues.

School-based healthcare can also help improve academics since children typically miss less school when seen in the SBHC.  It can also reduce missed work time for parents and reduce barriers to health care such as transportation.

When students are healthy, they are better able to focus, learn, and participate fully in school activities.

 Will this replace the care I receive from my primary care provider?

While the Gifford SBHC is a collaboration with Gifford Pediatrics, we can serve any child in the community, regardless of who their primary care provider is.  We send records from our visits to your primary care provider, in order to collaborate care.  Student’s who already have a PCP at Gifford can also receive services at the SBHC.  We serve as an extension of the pediatric office. 

Do parents need to be present?

While we do not require parents to be present, we welcome you to come if you would like.  We always make every effort to connect with parents before and after visits.  You are required to complete a SBHC Consent form in order for your child to be seen.

Is there a charge for these visits? How do I arrange for a visit?

We bill your child’s health insurance for their visit.  Please be aware of any co-pays or deductibles for your insurance. 

If you are interested in having your child seen in the SBHC, you can contact your child’s school nurse, or call Gifford Pediatrics at 802-728-2420.