School-Based Health Center

A school-based health center is a standard model used nationally and locally to increase access to preventative and acute healthcare services for young people in public school settings. Nationally, there are nearly 3,900 clinics in operation, and over 70 operating in Washington State. Granite Falls High School will be the 5^th clinic operated by Community Health Center of Snohomish County. Additional information about the model is available on the Washington State and National SBHC Alliance Websites. 

Community Health Center of Snohomish County (CHC) is a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center providing medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services to more than 75,000 patients through 250,000 visits annually. In addition to its primary care clinics, CHC operates school-based health centers and community outreach programs in partnership with local nonprofits, fulfilling its mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care to Snohomish County residents facing barriers to care. Learn more at chcsno.org.

Any student enrolled in Granite Falls School District can use the SBHC. Students must be registered and submit a signed consent form to receive school-based health services.  

The following are examples of services provided at school-based health centers:

• Well-child checks, sports physicals, and immunizations
• Chronic condition management and medication management
• Evaluation and treatment of common health problems, including same-day illness or injury
• Preventive health care, including health education
• Mental health, behavioral health, and social-emotional health services
• Dental and oral health care
• Referrals to other health care providers and specialists as needed

There is no out-of-pocket cost for students accessing services at the school-based health center. Health insurance, if available, will be billed for eligible services, but families will not receive a bill for service costs above insurance coverage.

Parents need to register students for most services and can do so online here. School-based health centers follow all Washington State minor consent laws, and parents/guardians are included in care whenever it is safe and possible. 

Yes. When parents or guardians register their students, they can provide their primary provider’s information.

As a separate healthcare entity, CHC must follow all privacy laws for care provided at the school-based health center. This means that CHC cannot share some information with school staff, and staff cannot communicate with CHC. An overview of these regulations is available here. 

School nurses provide day-to-day oversight and management of the health needs of the entire student population within their school buildings. SBHCs complement their work by offering direct healthcare services—such as primary care, behavioral health support, immunizations, sports physicals, and dental care—to enrolled students. School nurses and SBHC staff work together to support student health, with nurses referring students to the SBHC for follow-up care and additional services as needed.

During the 2025 legislative session, Community Health Center of Snohomish County (CHC) was granted funds from the Department of Commerce to support the construction of a School-Based Health Center (SBHC) at Granite Falls High School.  CHC will oversee all operations, including the construction, equipment, and staffing. Other than providing the space and allowing access to school utilities (electricity, water, heat, phone, internet), there are no startup or ongoing costs for the district.

Please email sbhc@chcsno.org or communications@gfalls.wednet.edu. 

Website the CHC website by clicking on this link.