Since 1991, 23 school health centers have been established to serve children and families through locally sponsored health and education partnerships to improve the health and learning potential of Louisiana's public school students. This report presents information on the program operation in 1996-97. Section 1 of the report describes the growth of the program and defines Louisiana's guidelines for school-based health centers. Section 2 details reasons for visits to school health centers. Section 3 presents a profile of each health center, including names and positions of staff, advisory committee members, special services, community collaborations, and human interest highlights. Findings noted in the report indicate that in the fourth full year of program operation, the number of school health centers expanded from 16 to 23, with a 50 percent increase in visits. Seventy-seven percent of students enrolled in schools with health centers obtained parental consent and registered for services, and 75 percent of registrants received services at school health centers. In 1996-97, over half the students in schools with health centers received health education instruction in the classroom. Several additional services were provided to reduce high-risk behaviors, including peer education, conflict resolution/violence prevention, life skills training, nutrition, Hepatitis B vaccination, tutoring, abstinence education, and tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse prevention. Testimony from parents at public hearings convened by the Governor's Task Force on School-Based Health Clinics affirmed that parents were appreciative and supportive of the services. Community leaders emphasized the community support by the centers. Appendices contain the Adolescent School Health Initiative Act and a financial statement. (Author/KB)