According to Marihelen Barrett, executive director of the alliance, the funding situation for student-based Wellness centers is becoming increasingly critical. High schools have been operating on level funding for years, causing a decrease in buying power due to inflation. Currently, more than 50 school-based Health centers are run by various health systems in the state, with high schools receiving automatic state-funded wellness centers. Some of these centers also extend their support to middle schools within their districts.
While Baltz and Frederick Douglass elementary schools received $340,000 in the 2020 state budget, newer elementary school centers have not received any legislative financial support or operational funds. In addition to the stagnant state funding for high school clinics, several lawmakers in New Castle County have reported that ChristianaCare Health System reduced services at several schools without notifying the Division of Public Health and the school districts.
ChristianaCare operates health clinics in 19 high schools and seven elementary schools in New Castle County and Wilmington. Despite concerns raised by school nurses, a ChristianaCare spokesperson stated that some high school wellness centers only have medical providers on-site for three days a week, based on previous enrollment and utilization numbers. While medical providers are present at elementary schools every day, other support staff such as behavioral health therapists, community health workers, and nutritionists rotate among schools.
Lawmakers have expressed concern about the impact of these staffing changes on families and students in a letter addressed to ChristianaCare. Despite this, the Division of Public Health disputes that these changes have affected services, emphasizing that the healthcare provider is required to deliver services without impacting students.
Advocates are calling for an increase of $1.5 million, a 20% raise for high school centers, to ensure effective functioning and continued support for students. Barrett highlighted the importance of school-based health centers in providing mental health support, trauma care, and addressing health equity issues for underserved children. These centers offer multidisciplinary services beyond medical care, focusing on the holistic well-being of students.
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