Discrete Event Simulation (DES) is a novel system modeling technique that allows for the evaluation of the potential costs and personnel needed for mental health services in school. A case study is presented to illustrate how DES could be used by a school's decision makers to help plan for implementation of an integrated mental health service…

During the 2015-2016 school year, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County hosted Teen Health Centers (TeenHC) at five high schools of Jacksonville providing HIV/STD screening and pregnancy testing. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the TeenHC chlamydia screening program and determine at what student…

Background: In school year (SY) 2014-2015, 128 schools in 24 districts and 14 states were randomly assigned to receive either onsite or online support to implement a school-based wellness program. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of the 2 models of implementation support: onsite and online. Methods: We adapted…

This manuscript describes the development and testing of an Internet-based cost survey that was designed by the authors for the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care (NASBHC) to capture the costs of school-based health programs. The intent of the survey was twofold. First, the survey was designed to collect comprehensive data on costs in a…

Describes the Connecticut Unit of Service System, a unified system for quantifying services and service delivery that is administratively useful in monitoring and allocating resources. Includes a Relative Value Scale which incorporates staff time and related work to allow a comparison of inpatient and outpatient service. (JAC)

The adult problems of overweight, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes are shared by the youth of our nation. Currently, corporations are providing assistance to national organizations in an effort to reverse this trend. A sampling of the array of support services the corporate sector supplies is presented. (JD)

Describes specific factors contributing to questionable validity and reliability of cost information used by mental health administrators. Presents a case study in which 17 different cost figures were derived for a single program using various methods currently employed. Discusses implications of nonuniform cost data. (Author/RC)

A definition and discussion of cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness analysis and its applications and limitations are presented. Case studies of cost-benefit analysis are given which apply to the mental health field. Includes a brief annotated biliography. (Author/RC)

Using data from three sites, a study examined service use and expenditures under systems-of-care. The sites provided children with a full range of mental health services. Per-child expenditures were high, but for two sites, those expenditures were within the range of expenditures in other innovative attempts at service delivery. (Contains…

Costs for caring for severely mentally disabled persons receiving housing subsidies and/or case management services or who were in a state hospital were compared in two Ohio counties. Comparisons for 82 persons found differences among community-based group settings, but the state hospital costs at least 3 times higher. (SLD)

Businesses with limited resources to invest can successfully carry out programs that promote healthful behavior in their employees. The design and implementation of such a program, which encourages exercise, healthful eating, weight management, nonsmoking, and stress management, is described. (PP)

This commentary summarizes findings from previous articles on system-of-care mental health programs for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. It addresses characteristics of participating children and families, system measurement system development, costs and sustainability, and family participation in program…

Presents a conceptual framework that can be used to estimate the costs of prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Cost estimates that have been made are presented. It is obvious that preventing drug use or smoking should be a first priority of public policymakers. (SLD)

Increasingly, schools are beginning employee wellness programs, which encourage employees to make personal commitments to life-style changes that will increase their productivity and generally improve their health. This article provides an introduction to wellness programs, lists advantages, and tells how to start one and make it work. (DCS)