Evaluation of school-based, high school health services

This article describes the cost-effectiveness of the Middletown Adolescent Health Project (MAHP), a school-based, comprehensive health services project that provides students with written parental permission for treatment of minor and acute illnesses, sports and routine physical examinations, laboratory work-ups, screenings, health promotion/wellness activities, medical social services, and nutrition counseling. These free services are offered at Middletown High School. An evaluation was conducted after the project's first year. Cost comparisons for medical care at the high school vs. private care were substantial. Potential out-of-pocket expenses for obtaining care in a private physician's office were 89% more than through the MAHP.