Health Care: Why This Topic Is Important

Routine check-ups can help children stay healthy by allowing for early identification and treatment of problems. Since children who lack health insurance are less likely to receive such routine preventive and specialist care, they are more likely to be treated in an emergency room. By the time they seek care, the problem often is more serious.

Even with health insurance, some families may not seek health care for reasons such as transportation difficulties, problems leaving work for medical appointments, or language and cultural barriers. Some non-English speaking families must use children as interpreters at the doctor's office, which can be ineffective

One important way for children and youth to get needed health services is through school health centers. These health centers, whether located on school property or in the vicinity of a school, can offer a range of services to underserved or uninsured students. Services vary from clinic to clinic, but can include primary care, mental health, reproductive health, and dental care, all provided either free of charge or at a low cost. Many school health centers also provide screening, treatment, or referral for a variety of health issues, including diabetes, vision and hearing problems, tuberculosis, asthma, cancer, hepatitis B, STD, and HIV infections.