“The more attractive the environment, the higher the perceived quality (of health care) and the lower the anxiety.”
(http://www.healthdesign.org/research/pebble/data.php)
The SBHC facility itself is an important piece of the service we provide. It reflects the love and care we have for the young people we serve. When a young person walks into in a SBHC he or she should say, "wow, this place values me."
Therefore, some important questions for each SBHC staff member to ask him/herself are:
- What are we saying to our adolescents via the facility?
- Does the facility reflect adult or youth values and aesthetics?
- How can we improve our SBHC facility so that it invites the students to take care of their physical and emotional health?
- How can we involve students in the revitalization of our facility?
Facility resources:
- 10 ways to give your SBHC a quick face lift
- National Clearinghouse for Education Facilities, School Health Centers, July 2002
- “Opening a School-Based Health Center” SBHC manual, pages 112-115
- Document on the importance of daylight