Sexual Health Services in Schools

Schools can play an important role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infection (STI) and pregnancy prevention through various means including delivering sexual health education, fostering a supportive climate and providing access and/or referrals to key sexual health services. With a captive audience and direct access to students each day for at least 6 hours a day, schools have a tremendous opportunity to positively impact and promote adolescent sexual health.

State statutes or school policies can limit the services available on school grounds but typically school staff are able to refer out for services unavailable in the school-setting. Strategies to facilitate school-medical home referrals include the following resources developed jointly by CAI Associates and the National Coalition of STD Directors:  

• Developing a Referral System for Sexual Health Services – (this requires a form to be completed for download) 
• Establishing Organizational Partnerships to Increase Student Access to Sexual Health Services​​

For more information, visit the AAP’s page devoted to Adolescent Sexual Health.