School Health Services

  • Portland Public Schools is committed to providing school environments that use a holistic approach to promote and protect children’s health, wellness and ability to learn. To support health, safety and academic success, our district provides health services in partnership with community agencies.

PPS Partners and Contractors

  • Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) School Nurses and Health Assistants provide direct health services to ill and injured students, management of acute and chronic illnesses, and surveillance and follow-up on communicable diseases. Nurses are a liaison between home, school, and community health care providers; promote safety, assess growth and development; and contribute to mental, emotional, and physical well-being. School health assistants provide injury and illness assistance to students under the direction and supervision of the RN and RN supervisor. PPS schools have on-site student health services five (5) days a week. 

     

    PPS partners with the Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD) to increase access to health services and create healthier school environments. In addition to offering preventive and primary care in its community-based health and dental health clinics, MCHD’s Student Health Centers offer comprehensive primary and mental health care services to all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18. Youth do not need to attend the school where the center is located. There are no out-of-pocket costs.  MCHD regularly convenes the eight public School Districts in Multnomah County to coordinate and align communicable disease prevention and response.

     

     

    The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is the medical sponsor for the Benson Wellness Center , a Certified School-Based health clinic at Benson Polytechnic High School. The clinic will be operating at the Marshall Campus through the summer of 2024 until the construction of the new Benson Campus is complete. The Center provides comprehensive primary and mental health care services for all PPS students ages 7-21 years. The Benson Wellness Center sees all students, regardless of ability to pay. 

For Additional Support, Contact:

Leti Ayala
Health Services Coordinator
971.413.1614
Betse Thielman
Health Services Program Manager
971.288.9081
  • For questions about the health needs of your student, please contact your school's main office.