Date Approved

4-7-2017

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Public Health (M.P.H.)

Degree Program

Health Professions

First Advisor

Azizur Molla

Second Advisor

Raymond Higbea

Third Advisor

Judy Kell

Fourth Advisor

Karen Niemchick

Academic Year

2016/2017

Abstract

School-based health centers are an integrated and proactive resource to promote health and wellness of students, as well as the surrounding community. Literature shows that the number of school-based health centers are steadily increasing across America, with few looking at their integration into the population. Within West Michigan, only two such clinics are operational. Applying data from the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) and primary data collected from school staff and administrators, an evaluation was conducted on the interconnectedness and behavioral effects of a community branching from the school-based health center. This project is based on review of: the application of Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child logic model; the staff and community integration; and provisions for future improvement. Described will be the intervention area, Oakridge School District within Muskegon County, while highlighting the need, desirability, barriers, and challenges of the health intervention. Through analyzing secondary data from the Michigan Department of Education (MiPHY) and primary data collection via semi-structured surveys and focus groups, theory application and community perceptions were assessed. Data proved the clinic as successfully decreasing barriers to care but conducting minimal outreach into classrooms and the community setting. Current marketing neglects to provide community stakeholders with the basic operations of the clinic. Future implications from the results include: educational directionality, increased community reinforcement and perceived susceptibility, and increased visibility of the Health Center to better serve the population.

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