To help increase access and reduce barriers to medical, behavioral health and dental care for children, North Star Health collaborates with Springfield School District to offer in-school health services. School-based health services are independently operated by North Star in each of the four Springfield, VT schools and are available to all students, on a voluntary basis, whether or not they have insurance or are a North Star Health patient.
School-based health services are not meant to replace a student’s primary care provider. If your child has a doctor outside of the school, the school-based team will work with your doctor to offer care as needed. If your child does not have a primary care provider or medical home, please contact the North Star Health Access Line at 802-885-7604 or HealthAccess@northstarfqhc.org for help establishing a medical home.
Services
Pediatric Medical Services
Pediatric medical services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and include:
• Preventive care
• Adolescent health and wellness
• ADHD screening and follow up care
• Asthma screening and follow up care
• Acute sick visits
• Sports physicals
• Medication checks
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral health services are available Monday through Friday during regular school hours and are provided by licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSW). For information, please contact:
- Springfield High School: Deborah Harrison O’Brien, LICSW, 802-885-7900
- Riverside Middle School: Deborah Harrison O’Brien, LICSW, 802-885-8490
- Union Street School: Merryl Pauly, LICSW, 802-885-5155
- Elm Hill School: Merryl Pauly, LICSW, 802-885-5159
Dental Services
School-based dental services are available at many schools throughout our region, including Springfield schools. Our school-based Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) provide dental cleanings, screenings, sealants, fluoride treatment and dental education. Our goal is that no child suffers with tooth decay or other dental issues. Our hygienists can also make referrals to area dentists and help you find a permanent dental home for your child within the community.
Documentation to sign up for the dental service is available through the schools (or download below) and must be completed prior to receiving in-school services. It’s easy to sign up – just fill out the form below and return it to your child’s school or medical office.
Documentation required for Springfield Schools
Documentation required for other grant funded schools
If you have questions or would like more information about school-based dental services, please contact: Barbara Hodgkins, RDH, at 802-875-2878 or bhodgkins@northstarfqhc.org .
Caregiver Involvement and Consent
North Star school-based health teams work closely with caregivers to involve them in the services their children receive. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in their child’s medical and dental appointments in person, or by phone, email or computer. Between appointments, health center follow up with parents and guardians may include letters, phone calls, notes on a secure website, and home visits if needed.
A parent or guardian can sign a permission form at the beginning of each school year for their child to receive school-based health services. Children and adolescents under the age of 18 may receive school-based health services only with written parent/guardian consent.
School-Based Health Costs and Financial Assistance
North Star Health accepts most forms of health insurance, including Vermont Medicaid. We also offer financial assistance for eligible uninsured and under-insured individuals. Depending on the situation, school-based health services may be free. Before providing school-based medical, behavioral health or dental services, we will explain the costs and obtain consent from the student’s parent or guardian.
We partner with Valley Health Connections, a local nonprofit that helps people who are uninsured or under-insured access health care. They can help you understand your options for applying for our sliding fee discount program, health insurance, and other financial assistance programs that may be available to you.
Contact Valley Health Connections to request a free, confidential consultation.
Valley Health Connections
268 River Street, Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-1616
valleyhealth@vermontel.net
My Care Team
Sarah Wimbiscus, LICSW
Deborah Harrison O’Brien, LICSW
Merryl Pauly, MSW, LICSW
Nancy Granger, LICSW
