Open Door Family Medical Centers | Medical health services for Westchester and Putnam counties

Nita M. Lowey Center for Health in Schools

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“Health care, education, and ongoing support for families. Because every child deserves the best opportunity to stay healthy and succeed in school.”   

Through the Nita M. Lowey Center for Health in Schools program, Open Door provides students within the school medical and dental care, as well as behavioral health screenings and referrals. Each School-Based Health Center (SBHC) provides a full range of accessible and friendly primary health care services to students in the school district. From health screenings, vaccines, and preventive care, to providing sick care when a child is not feeling well, parents can rest assured – we are here for your child and family.

Today, Open Door operates SBHCs in the Port Chester, Ossining and Webutuck School Districts.  

Virtual Care during Covid-19: 

While we are still here to provide in-person care at the SBHC, Virtual Care is a great option for many families as well. Open Door can provide care  through a Virtual Visit (over phone or video) from the comfort of your home.  

For an in-person or virtual appointment for your child at the SBHC, please call 914-620-9641. 


Benefits of a SBHC: 

  • No out of pocket costs to families (no co-pays, no money is exchanged) 
  • Students receive the care they need while at school 
  • Improved school attendance  
  • Assistance with enrollment into health insurance 
  • Reduced emergency room visits 
  • Positive school environment that promotes health and learning 

SBHC Services: 

  • Primary medical care (includes complete physical exams) 
  • Dental/oral health screenings & care 
  • Behavioral health screenings 
  • Sports physicals 
  • Immunizations 
  • First aid/sick care 
  • Laboratory tests 
  • Health education 
  • Referrals to specialty care (as needed)   
  • Chronic illness care (includes asthma, diabetes, & weight management) 
  • Assistance with health insurance enrollment 
  • Prescriptions 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):  

What are the requirements for a child to receive care in the SBHC? 

An SBHC Consent Form must be completed by a parent/guardian to enroll a child in the SBHC. Any child who is enrolled in school and living within the participating School District is eligible.  

School-Based Health Center Consent Form – Ossining 
For English  click here, for Spanish click here

School-Based Health Center Consent Form – Port Chester 
For English  click here, for Spanish  click here.  

 
Is enrollment in the SBHC required by the School District?  

No. Enrollment in the SBHC is a benefit that is optional to families. Students can be enrolled anytime and only need to enroll once to receive services for their entire time in the school district.  

 
Does a student need to have insurance to be seen at the SBHC?  

No. SBHCs will provide care to students whether or not they have health insurance. If a child is insured, the SBHC will bill the private insurance or Medicaid, but there are no out-of-pocket costs to families. For an uninsured child, there is no cost whatsoever. We will work with the family to explore insurance options and assist with enrolling that child in health insurance.     

  • Did you know? All children in NYS are eligible for health insurance up until their 19th birthday, regardless of income or legal status. To learn more or to get health insurance for your child, please contact Open Door’s Outreach & Enrollment Dept. at 914-502-1478 or email insurancecoverage@odfmc.org.  
 
Is my child’s personal health information protected?  

Yes. SBHC patient records are maintained as confidential medical records; they are not school records. Confidentiality is observed by school staff and SBHC staff, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA.)  

Health examination documents are shared with the school nurse, only as needed for new students, sports physicals, or during the years that the school requires an updated physical examination. Additional health information may be shared with the school nurse, only on a need-to-know basis, as determined by the SBHC Medical Director to secure the child’s health and welfare.  

 
What if a student already has a Primary Care Provider?  

Not a problem. The School-Based Health Center will complement (not replace) the care of a child’s Primary Care Provider. Students can use the services provided at the SBHC when they are feeling ill or need medical attention during the school day. The SBHC provider will collaborate with a child’s Primary Care Provider to ensure optimal care. Students who have a private Primary Care Provider will meet with the SBHC provider for one well visit per year. This visit will not interfere with insurance benefits. 

Contact Us: 

For additional information, please contact Open Door’s School-Based Health Center Program:  Call 914-620-9641.

You can also send us an email.

Locations: 

PORT CHESTER HIGH SCHOOL
1 Tamarack Rd, Port Chester, NY 10573
914-934-5211

PORT CHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
113 Bowman Ave, Rye Brook, NY 10573
914-939-1477

EDISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
132 Rectory St, Port Chester, NY 10573
914-939-1205

PARK AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Park Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573
914-934-2183

JOHN F KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
40 Olivia St, Port Chester, NY 10573
914-939-1146    

OSSINING HIGH SCHOOL
29 S Highland Ave, Ossining, NY 10562
914-923-4740

OSSINING AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
100 Van Cortlandt Ave, Ossining, NY 10562
914-762-2314

BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
30 Ryder Rd, Ossining, NY 10562
914-488-6155

WEBUTUCK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
194 Haight Rd, Amenia, NY 12501
914-620-9641