Agenda Item
b. Update on the Impact and Evaluation of SAFE Centers and School-Based Health Centers ~ Updated 2.9.2026
Summary: Presented by: Kishia Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Contact: Kishia Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, and
Ms. Chamika Simmons, Senior Coordinator Student Support, Division of Wrap Around Services
SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS
&
SAFE CENTERS
DeKalb County School District
February 2026 Board Presentation
School-Based Health Centers
A National Movement Since 1967
1967: The Beginning Nationwide Growth
Dr. Phil Porter created the first SBHC in
Since 1994, comprehensive SBHCs have
Cambridge, MA while serving as Chief of
increased 5-fold. Today, 3,900 SBHCs serve
Pediatrics at Cambridge Hospital and faculty
students across the nation.
at Harvard Medical School.
The Mission
Initially developed to increase healthcare access for adolescents facing financial barriers, confidentiality
concerns, and limited parental involvement. Elementary SBHCs emerged as early intervention became
recognized as key to preventing problems at higher grade levels.
Georgia's SBHC Pioneers
Dr. George Brumley & Dr. Veda Johnson
1994
Key Accomplishments
✓ Increased access to physical, mental
Whitefoord Elementary & dental care
✓ Higher immunization rates
Georgia's first SBHC under Dr. Brumley (retired Chair of Pediatrics,
Emory) and Dr. Johnson (Assistant Professor, Emory)
✓ Improved attendance & performance
✓
1999
Better outcomes for chronic illnesses
✓ Greater parental involvement
Coan Middle School Health Center
✓ Stronger community support
For 14 years, these were Georgia's only two SBHCs
Core Tenets of SBHCs
School Integration Comprehensive Services
Located in schools or on school grounds, becoming an Address physical and behavioral health needs through a full
integral part of the educational environment range of clinical services
Multidisciplinary Teams Qualified Providers
Nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, social Clinical services delivered through hospitals, health
workers, and physicians working together departments, or medical practices
Parental Consent Community Oversight
Written consent required from parents for students to receive Advisory board with community representatives, parents, and
services youth providing guidance
Ultimate Goal: Address physical, mental, and social needs to maximize academic performance
DeKalb County SBHCs
Progress & Timeline
2018
Agreement between DeKalb County School District and Emory University for 6 SBHCs under Dr. Veda Johnson's
leadership
2 CURRENTLY OPEN
Doraville United Elementary
McNair Discovery Learning Academy
2 OPENING OCT 2026
Stephenson Elementary
Oakview Elementary
4 OPENING OCT 2027
Four additional
elementary sites
6 IN DEVELOPMENT
Modular units
awaiting permits
Medical Sponsors: MedCura and Southside Medical
DeKalb County SBHCs
MedCura Data
August 2023-December 2025
Data from McNair Discovery Learning Academy and Doraville United Elementary
334 ASTHMA
McNair Discovery Learning Academy
August 2024-December 2025
185 ASTHMA
Doraville United Elementary
August 2023-December 2025
80 INFLUENZA
McNair Discovery Learning Academy
November 2024-December 2025
96 INFLUENZA
Doraville United Elementary
January 2024-December 2025
Medical Sponsors: MedCura and Southside Medical
Doraville United SBHC
Utilization Trends 2024-2025 265 2,675 157
Total Average/Month
Peak Month
Encounters
September 17-month Consistent use
2025 period
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Aug '24 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan '25 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Higher utilization at school year start, with natural decreases during breaks and testing periods
Doraville United School Based Health Center
8
McNair DLA SBHC 237 2,067 122
Utilization Trends 2024-2025 Total
Peak Month Encounters Average/Month
17-month
August 2025 period Steady growth
250
200
150
100
50
0
Aug '24 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan '25 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Utilization increased steadily as awareness grew, with peaks at school year start and allergy season
MCNAIR DLA SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTER
10
STUDENT AND FAMILY
ENGAGEMENT
(SAFE)
CENTERS
The Division of Wrap Around Services
SAFE Centers in Action
https://youtu.be/P6ZLJpwCFMY
What Are SAFE Centers?
The SAFE Centers are a collaboration of school services and community
partnerships designed to equip our students academically, behaviorally, socially, and
emotionally to be better scholars and productive citizens.
Two Core Service Areas
Family Support Services Social & Emotional Wellness
• Kindness Closet (food, clothes, toiletries, school supplies) • Mental and emotional health counseling
• Wellness checks for students and families • Discipline support through restorative practices
• Family support for safety and stability • Substance abuse/vaping and drug prevention
• Support group for teen parents • Mentorship programs
• Life skills groups for student growth
SAFE Center Locations
8 High Schools Currently Serving Students
Cross Keys High School McNair High School
Redan High School Stone Mountain High School
Martin Luther King Jr. High School Lithonia High School
Stephenson High School Towers High School
Mental Health & Child Welfare
Referral Data Comparison
Reason 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 (S1)
Emotional/Mental Health 1,461 1,351 1,486 1,023
Suicidal Ideation 690 611 563 294
Abuse/Neglect 909 894 857 387
Homeless 1,127 1,214 1,394 778
Foster Care 218 166 116 67
Pregnancy 66 51 47 28
Data reflects ongoing commitment to student mental health and family welfare support
SAFE Center Impact
2024-2025 Full Year Data
4,824 2,640 713
Student Contacts Food Distribution Families Food Pantry Visits
387 251 171
Parent Conferences Hygiene Visits Clothing Assistance
5,640 TOTAL INTERVENTIONS
SAFE Center Impact
2025-2026 Semester 1 Data
4,824 Student Contacts
2,640 Families at Food
Distribution 713 Food Pantry Visits
387 Parent/Guardian
Conferences 251 Hygiene Visits
182 Staff Conferences
171 Clothing Assistance
145 Partner Conferences
109 Mental Health
Referrals
97 Student Groups
11 Parent Groups
Student Ambassador Program
Student Leadership & Peer Support
Student ambassadors are student leaders who represent the SAFE Center to students, families, staff,
and visitors. They assist with tours, events, recruitment, community service, and maintain year-round
knowledge of SAFE Center programs and services.
Qualities of Excellent Ambassadors
✓ Leadership abilities and capabilities ✓ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
✓ Enthusiastic, friendly, and approachable personality ✓ Punctual, flexible, and reliable
Good academic standing and time-management
✓ Well presented with empathy and good judgment ✓ skills
Community Partnerships
Collaborative Network Supporting Students
Easton Banks (EBLLC) Project
Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta Atlanta Vision Lions The Georgia Lions Lighthouse
GRAPE
SOC Integrated Services Chris 180 Pathways Transition Program Positive Growth
SKIP - Save Kids of
Hazel Health Kate's Club Atlanta Community Food Bank
Incarcerated Parents
AREACH Desires to Change Hope Hustlers UCHAMP
Progress Place Mimi's Yoga Kids AFHK - The Blank Foundation CARON
Strategic Plan Alignment
Goal Area 5: Mental Health and Wellness
SAFE Centers directly align with Strategic Plan Goal Area 5 through comprehensive
programming and coordinated wraparound services
Mental Health Partnership Relationship Support
Collaboration with mental health providers to deliver Addressing interpersonal relationships and social-
school-based services emotional development
Substance Prevention Basic Needs
Food, hygiene products, and school supplies to
Vaping cessation and drug prevention programming
maintain student dignity
Ensuring students are supported, connected, and ready to learn
Challenges & Needs
Areas for Growth and Support
Funding
Sustained financial resources needed to maintain and expand services across all centers
Mental Health Capacity
Increased staffing and provider partnerships to meet growing student mental health needs
Space Limitations
Physical space constraints in some locations limit service delivery and programming
Data Platforms
Enhanced data systems to track outcomes, measure impact, and improve service coordination
Goals for 2026-2027
Building on Success
1 Expansion of Centers
Increase SAFE Center presence to serve more students and families across the district
Strengthen Ambassador
2 Training
Enhanced development programs for student leaders to better represent and support centers
Increase Peer-Led
3 Participation
Expand student-driven programming and peer support initiatives
4 Increase Partnerships
Develop new community and organizational relationships to broaden service offerings
5 Increase Awareness
Districtwide communication campaign to ensure all stakeholders know about SAFE Centers
Thank You
For Your Continued Support
Together, we are strengthening community partnerships and
providing coordinated wraparound services that help our
students feel supported, connected, and ready to learn.
Division of Wrap Around Services