RESUMEN
School based health centers (SBHCs) are often at the front line of medical and mental health services for students in the schools they serve. Citywide school closures in New York City in March 2020 and ongoing social distancing procedures resulted in significant changes in SBHC services as well as access to these services. Furthermore, the combination of COVID-19 related stressors and the increased likelihood of adverse childhood events experienced by urban youth creates conditions for the exacerbation of mental health concerns among youth in metropolitan areas. The following article will explore the role of SBHCs as community agents focused on prevention and reduction of mental health concerns prior and during the current pandemic, as well as existing health disparities experienced by urban youth populations. The authors will also discuss research examining mental health concerns already present in global populations affected by COVID-19 as it may foreshadow the challenges to be faced by U.S. urban youth. Lastly, the authors describe recommendations, practice implications, and opportunities for preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions in school based health settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Asunto(s)
Experiencias Adversas de la Infancia , Síntomas Conductuales/terapia , COVID-19 , Centros Comunitarios de Salud , Distanciamiento Físico , Servicios de Salud Escolar , Instituciones Académicas , Adolescente , Síntomas Conductuales/prevención & control , Niño , Centros Comunitarios de Salud/organización & administración , Centros Comunitarios de Salud/normas , Disparidades en Atención de Salud , Humanos , Ciudad de Nueva York , Servicios de Salud Escolar/organización & administración , Servicios de Salud Escolar/normas , Servicios de Salud Mental Escolar/organización & administración , Servicios de Salud Mental Escolar/normas , Instituciones Académicas/organización & administración , Instituciones Académicas/normas , Población UrbanaRESUMEN
School based health centers (SBHC) provide healthcare services to youth and their families. In response to the global health crisis from COVID-19, schools' closures have impacted the access to vital services during times of increased need for physical and mental healthcare. Youth of minority racial and ethnic backgrounds living in urban settings face compounding factors including adverse childhood events, economic disadvantages, and barriers to healthcare. The mental health response of SBHCs in New York City as it relates to population specific factors such as family supports, economic considerations, and healthcare correlates is explored. The role of school based health centers and recommendations for interventions addressing mental health concerns in youth during COVID-19 are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
