The SBHCs provide all contraceptives except Norplant and find that Depo-Provera is highly popular. Every new patient as well as any student getting condoms for the first time receives family planning counseling, including information about emergency contraception and a condom demonstration. To help teens feel more comfortable in attending an SBHC, the centers advertise a comprehensive package of services rather than just their family planning component. Case Mangement SBHC staff carefully tracks and monitors teens' well-being and adherence to prescription directions. Pregnancy Testing Staff provides pregnancy testing on the same day a student requests it.
Staff uses negative pregnancy test results as an opportunity for counseling on family planning.
If a student tests positive for pregnancy, staff provides options counseling but does not refer for abortion services. SBHCs respond to adolescents' complex range of needs, and students who come in without appointments are welcomed during certain hours each day. Students with emergencies are always seen. Users attending SBHCs in Baltimore have greater rates of continuation with Depo-Provera than do those using other sources of care. Sexually active young women enrolled in SBHCs report stronger continuation rates for all forms of contraception than do their non-enrolled peers.