Maximizing school health services in a time of fiscal restraint.

Abstract

This case study reports a communitywide effort to reduce the fragmentation and duplication of child health services in Boston. Consensus was first reached on what basic health services should be offered and where--school or community--they would be most efficiently and effectively delivered. The planning group then developed strategies to coordinate a network for the delivery of these services. Implementation has begun. The Boston experience offers a mechanism to maximize school health services as available funding for them declines.