Opening Doors to Health: Legacy’s Expanding School-Based Health Care Program

By Robert Palussek, CEO

The opening of Legacy Community Health’s 38^th and 39^th School-Based Health Care clinics at YES Prep Hobby Secondary and Elementary is more than a milestone. It’s a promise that when students walk through their school doors each morning, they’re entering not just a place of learning, but a place where their health and well-being are a top priority.

Our School-Based Health Care (SBHC) program began as a simple recognition that students learn better when they’re healthy, and has evolved into a comprehensive network that serves as a model for the nation.

In 2012, we established our foundational partnership with KIPP Academy, beginning with behavioral health services and primary care across their eight campuses around Harris County. Three years later, we extended our model to YES Prep schools. In 2020, we formalized our partnership with Galena Park ISD, expanding our reach to traditional public-school students throughout the district.

At the heart of SBHC is a simple but profound principle: health care should never be a barrier to education. Our comprehensive services (including primary care, behavioral health, dental exams, and vaccines) are offered to students, their siblings, and children of school staff, regardless of ability to pay. Legacy works closely with parents to support their children’s health. We obtain written and verbal consent, along with release of information, from parents for pediatric and behavioral services. Parents and guardians are also informed of the outcome of each patient visit and the treatment plan. Whether a child is dealing with asthma, anxiety, or needs a sports physical, they know they can walk down the hall to receive compassionate, professional care from providers who understand their community and their needs.

Perhaps most importantly, our school-based clinics meet students exactly where they are, not just geographically, but developmentally and culturally. Our bilingual staff understands that for many Latino families, accessing health care can be challenging due to language barriers, cultural differences, or past experiences with the health care system.

Our care coordinators, acquired through our partnership with the National School-Based Health Alliance, exemplify this commitment. Kelilah Aolani-Jones joined our team at KIPP Sharpstown in December after relocating from the West Coast. She built a relationship with an 11-year-old student facing hygiene challenges, bed bugs, soiled clothes, and shoes that were literally falling apart. Working patiently to gain the trust of both the student and his parents, who spoke languages other than English and lacked reliable transportation, Kelilah identified resources that could assist the family.

The SBHC program exemplifies Legacy’s broader commitment to health equity and community empowerment. By ensuring that ZIP code doesn’t determine health outcomes, we’re creating opportunities for students to reach their full potential, regardless of their family’s economic circumstances or insurance status.

In the past year alone, Legacy served 13,854 students through our school-based program, completing 72,911 appointments. This model helps reduce missed class time and health disparities while supporting student success. By working closely with school staff, Legacy ensures that care is coordinated, accessible, and focused on keeping students healthy and in the classroom.

Beyond these impressive statistics lies an even more significant achievement: Legacy has earned recognition as the #1 Federally Qualified Health Center in Texas by patient count, the #7 largest FQHC nationally, and the #1 provider in the nation for prenatal care. These distinctions reflect not only our scale but also our unwavering commitment to providing quality, accessible care for all.

As we celebrate this achievement, we’re already looking toward the future. The demand for accessible, school-based health services continues to grow, and Legacy is committed to meeting that demand. We’re exploring new partnerships, expanding our services, and continuously improving our model of care.

To learn more about Legacy Community Health’s school-based health care program or to find a clinic near you, visit legacycommunityhealth.org or call 281-628-2050.