G1.01 - Learning Lab: Assessing and Addressing the Educational Needs of Illinois School Health Center Staff

Presenter: Sally Lemke, DNP, WHNP-BC – School Health Nurse Consultant, Illinois Department of Public Health Presenter: Rabiatu Siaka, BS, MPH(c) – GPSI MPH Student Intern, Illinois Department of Public Health Author: Olapeju Lawal – School Health Nurse Consultant, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Public Health

Brief Abstract Summary: Gain insight into how the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) School Health Program is using survey data collected from staff of the state’s 64 certified School-Based and Linked Health Centers to drive improvements in adolescent health services. Learn how data on staffing, access to care, and sexual and reproductive health revealed key gaps such as limited digital scheduling, lack of closed-loop referrals, and limited access to comprehensive contraception. Discover how these findings informed targeted recommendations, including expanding staff engagement, investing in referral systems, and strengthening professional development. Recognize how IDPH is translating these survey insights into action to advance the state’s Maternal and Child Health priorities, reduce health disparities, and strengthen equitable access to care for children and adolescents.

Detailed abstract description: Learn how the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) used survey data from statewide School-Based and Linked Health Centers (SHCs) to assess and address the educational needs of staff across all career stages new, mid-career, and seasoned professionals. The survey, conducted in partnership with public health and education stakeholders, sought to capture SHC staff input on barriers to service delivery, professional development needs, and emerging priorities in school health. This session will provide attendees with actionable insights into workforce development and program planning in school-based health care.
IDPH-certified SHCs play a critical role in advancing child and adolescent health by improving access to primary, preventive, and mental health services within the school environment. IDPH invests financially in this model by providing public health funding to certified SHCs. A recent survey provided to staff of 64 SHCs resulted in pertinent highlights on the composition of staff across SHCs, overlapping roles, service accessibility, and gaps in training and resources. Most school health centers provided same-day walk-in and scheduled appointments, served both students and broader community members, and offered sexual and reproductive health services; however, inability to offer comprehensive contraceptive options to adolescents and closed-loop referral systems for coordination of care to community-based health care providers emerged as limitations. Respondents identified professional development priorities, including mental health emergencies, emerging health issues, and grant reporting, with many staff roles underrepresented in previous training efforts. Analysis of the survey revealed several critical themes related to professional development and service delivery for IDPH action that resulted in the development of resources and an educational series.
This session will demonstrate how data-driven recommendations guided IDPH in expanding professional development opportunities and resources, enhancing service delivery, and aligning SHC activities with state Maternal and Child Health strategic priorities. Attendees will gain knowledge on practical and replicable strategies for using survey findings to plan and implement learning sessions and resources, strengthen SHC workforce competencies, and improve program evaluation.
Participants will discover how evidence-based approaches in school health can:
• Expand access to health care for children and adolescents.
• Strengthen school health systems through professional development and data-informed planning.
• Address structural and operational gaps to promote and increase equitable access to care.
This session emphasizes actionable insights, equity, and innovation, providing tools that can be applied to school health or community-based health initiatives nationally.