Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP)
Program Overview
Founded in 1983, the Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP) is the country’s largest and most comprehensive school-based health program. MSHP provides coordinated primary and preventative healthcare to public elementary, middle and high school students throughout the Bronx and southern Westchester County.
Partnering with primary and specialty providers, MSHP tailors its services to meet the needs of each individual student. As students in our program approach adolescence, we continue to educate and empower them to take responsibility for their own care, creating a healthier school and community environment. Our program operates in 33 locations, delivering comprehensive care to 75 schools and is growing daily.
Our interdisciplinary primary healthcare team provides comprehensive care in the clinical areas listed below.
Medical Care
Medical services are provided by our nurse practitioners and physicians, with the support of licensed practical nurses and patient care technicians. At each health center, our patients can expect to receive:
- Preventative care, including well-child visits and physical exams, immunizations, hearing and vision testing and psychosocial and health risk behavior screenings
- Urgent care for sore throats, headaches, cold and allergy symptoms and menstrual cramps
- First aid and evaluation for injuries and other emergencies
- Management of chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and obesity, as well as referrals to subspecialists as needed
Our providers collaborate with outside resources, providing insight on the services offered in the school setting and proactively seeking health information.
For adolescents participating in our program, we offer confidential reproductive healthcare services when needed, including pregnancy testing, pregnancy prevention and family planning options. Counseling as well as screening for and diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are also available.
Mental Health
Our highly trained licensed psychologists and social workers provide mental health services. Our program addresses the emotional needs of children and families through confidential evaluation, individual and group therapy, family/parent work and crisis intervention.
Treatment is available to address mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bereavement and family issues. Our providers also engage in preventative mental health initiatives to encourage the development of healthy relationships and prevent dating violence.
Dental Care
Our dentists and dental assistants are available on-site at a growing number of our locations. Dental exams, preventative services, cleanings and sealants are provided to elementary, middle and high school students. On-site X-rays are available at high schools, allowing us to provide additional services such as restorative dental care.
Community Health
Our community-wide public health programming is designed to educate, empower and support students, parents and families to develop healthy habits and take responsibility for improving their overall health and wellness. Community partnerships are invaluable for meeting the needs of the schoolchildren who rely on our program—particularly in our priority service areas. Our Community Health Organizers (CHOs) work in partnership with community-based organizations and the New York City Department of Education to coordinate disease prevention programs, education workshops, youth development programs and outreach initiatives.
