Examining the effects of health centers in schools on student health and outcomes

Understanding the Short- and Long-Term Impacts of School-Based Health Centers

NIH-funded research Northwestern University · NIH-11133206

This study looks at how having health centers in schools helps students stay healthy and do better in school, by making it easier for them to get the care they need, especially for mental health, and it hopes to share what it learns to support more of these centers in schools everywhere.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11133206 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how school-based health centers (SBHCs) impact the health and well-being of students by providing accessible health care directly in schools. It aims to analyze both short-term and long-term effects on health care utilization, behavioral outcomes, and educational achievements among students. By utilizing extensive data on health care prescriptions and Medicaid claims, the study will assess the effectiveness of SBHCs in improving access to mental health medications and overall health services for school-aged youth. The findings could help inform policies regarding the establishment and funding of SBHCs across the country.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include school-aged children and adolescents who have access to or are served by school-based health centers.

Not a fit: Patients who do not attend schools with health centers or those who are not school-aged may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and educational performance for students who utilize school-based health services.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown positive correlations between school-based health centers and improved health care access and educational outcomes, suggesting that this approach has been effective in similar contexts.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.