School-Based Services

School Nurses

Nurses provide basic care and case management at all New Hanover County schools. Please call your child's school for your school nurse's contact information or with questions regarding your child's medical needs while attending school.

Reach out to your child's School Nurse for help managing:

• Chronic health conditions
• New diagnoses
• Daily medications
• Injuries
• And any other health concerns

What is the Immunization Outreach Program?

The immunization outreach program provides free childhood vaccinations (including Tdap, Meningitis A, Meningitis B, HPV, and Flu) to students in New Hanover County public schools. These vaccinations are offered during outreach events on-site at the schools on specific dates in the spring and fall.

For any questions, please contact your school nurse.

How do I know what vaccines my child should get?

According to NC State law, certain vaccinations are required for students to go to school. Other vaccines are recommended by state and county health officials in order to prevent the spread of disease and keep our schools safe and healthy!

HPV and Meningitis B are not required by the state but are recommended by both the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and New Hanover County Health and Human Services.

The full immunization schedule also outlines what vaccinations your child should receive based on age: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html 

Where can my child get vaccinated in New Hanover County?

Middle & High School Students

New Hanover County Schools and New Hanover County Health and Human Services Vaccine Outreach program: No out-of-pocket cost and available on-site at school.

Complete the fillable Outreach Consent form here Version OptionsSchool-Based ServicesHeadline. The Spanish translated Outreach Consent form is available here Version OptionsSchool-Based ServicesHeadline. See your school nurse for a paper copy.

All Students

1. Your child's pediatrician or health provider may offer vaccinations by appointment. Contact your provider to find out about their vaccine availability.
2. Local pharmacies offer vaccinations at little to no out-of-pocket cost with most insurance. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and Harris Teeter currently offer Tdap, Meningitis, and HPV vaccines.

More Resources

• NC School Immunization Policies and Laws:
  • SCH110 Immunization for NC School Entry
  • SCH113 NC General Statutes Pertaining to Immunizations
  • SCH116 Administrative Code

New Hanover County Health and Human Services has partnered with New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) to provide mental health services to NHCS and their families. There is no out of pocket cost. If available, insurance will be billed. Referrals can be made by parent/guardian, pediatrician, school personnel, and daycare providers.

School-Based Mental Health Program

The county provides licensed clinical therapists at all NHCS elementary and middle schools by referral to treat behavioral and emotional concerns. For more information about this program, please call 910-798-6510.

NHC Elementary and Middle School Therapists Phone List (PDF)

Early Childhood Mental Health Program

The program partners with local Pre-K  programs for clinical interventions supporting children's engagement in age appropriate social and emotional learning and their development and school readiness. The county provides licensed clinical therapists in various Pre-K programs including Mary W. Howe, College Rd. Early Child Care Center, and Dorothy B. Johnson schools. For more information about this program, please call 910-798-6510.

Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Services

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Services are focused on enhancing awareness of caregivers to identify early warning signs of infant and early childhood mental health challenges. Consultants will partner with the centers to implement positive behavior interventions and create referrals to community-based services meeting individualized needs of the child. The consultation model is one component of the program which provides targeted supports for parents and caregivers of young children. 

For any questions, please contact the social workers at 910-798-3778 or 910-798-3465.