School Health

What Services Are Available?

School-based health services are an important component of the public health system. They help ensure that Florida’s students are healthy, are in the classroom, and are ready to learn.

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) partners with the Polk County School Board to provide health services to students. School nurses also work with parents, teachers, social workers, and other health care providers to develop individual care plans, locate available health resources, and identify the need for health referrals to address specific health concerns.

School health services include:

• Health screenings (vision, scoliosis, hearing)
• Nutrition assessments (body mass index screening)
• Health counseling
• Referral and follow-up of suspected or confirmed health problems
• Education that promotes healthy behavior
• Immunization review at both public and private schools
• Resources for parents and school staff relating to health issues, such as head lice or other communicable diseases, immunization requirements, school entry physical exams, etc.
• Assistance with referrals to Children’s Medical Services, Lion’s Club, and other public or private agencies
• Classroom health education
• Case management of students with special health care needs

Contact Information

For more information on school health services, contact the Bartow Administration Offices at 863-519-7900.