Frequently Asked Questions: Lowell

 

What is the Wellness Program?

 

The Lowell High School Wellness Program is an on-campus resource dedicated to improving the health, well-being and educational outcomes of all students. We believe that student wellness is a cornerstone for learning and educational success.

 

Funded by the San Francisco Wellness Initiative, the center provides free, confidential services, including nursing services; counseling services; support and empowerment groups; information and referrals; reproductive health services; and free condoms.

 

Specifically, the Lowell Wellness Program provides individual and group counseling; stress reduction, body image, and freshman orientation groups; vocational assistance (e.g. part-time job search, volunteer opportunities), information on issues related to sexual health, emotional health, nutrition, and physical fitness/activity.

 

Can students drop-in to talk with someone?

 

Students are welcome to drop-in to check out the Wellness Program services. Our offices (Room 129/T-14) are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Students are encouraged to visit during their free mods or after school.

 

How can a student obtain a referral for services?

 

Students can self-refer or refer their friends. Anyone on the school site can refer a student for wellness services, including counselors, teachers, deans, or school resource officers. Referrals are also accepted from parents and guardians. Community agencies may also request on-site services for students.

 

Why would a student need services at the Wellness Program?

 

Students may need services for a variety of reasons. The Wellness Program exists to help students who may be experiencing problems with substance abuse, depression, dating violence, gang involvement, sexuality, sexual identity, family life, grief, or their physical health, including pregnancy or sexually-transmitted infections.

 

How can I tell if a student is experiencing these types of problems?

 

While there is no universal sign for identifying students who may need Wellness Program services, you should consider referring students in these circumstances:

 

• Those struggling academically, socially or behaviorally.
• Those exhibiting a sudden change in behavior, including changes in attention or concentration, mood, eating or sleeping patterns, weight gain or loss, appearance, motivation, grades, attendance or a change of peer group.
• Those writing or talking about significant events or feelings of sadness or depression. Do not hesitate to refer a student that expresses suicidal thoughts.
• Those experiencing changes at home, including violence, divorce, or the death of a family member/friend.
• Those who seem angry, aggressive, defiant, nervous, anxious or frightened.
• Those who you may suspect have a problem with substance abuse, gang involvement, or other self-destructive behavior.

 

Ultimately, if you are concerned about the well-being of a student, please refer him/her for services. If you don’t know whether a student needs, wants or requires our services, please refer them. We can always check in with the student to see if our services are what they need!

 

What happens after I refer a student to the Wellness Program?

 

Students referred to the Wellness Program participate in an intake process that includes being informed of our confidentiality policy, completing a registration and consent form, and meeting with a staff member to assess needed services.

 

Will you keep me updated on the student’s progress?

 

All Wellness Program services are confidential. While we will follow up with you with regard to meeting with the student, we cannot provide specific information about the services provided.

 

Do you work with the families of students referred to the Wellness Program?

 

Yes, we are willing and enthusiastic to work with families. We will provide information, referrals, workshops and presentations; however, sensitive services involving the entire family (e.g. family therapy) will be referred to an appropriate community-based organization.

 

Are other community-based organizations involved providing services for students?

 

Yes, the Lowell Wellness Program partners with Asian American Recovery Services (AARS), Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS), Tender Lion, “Chopsticks and Forks” presenters, and the SFSU Clinical Psychology Department. Additional partners are continually being developed, based on the needs of students.

 

Do you provide services or resources for teachers and other staff?

 

We are currently developing resources for teachers and other staff, including low-cost yoga on campus; chair massages; massage gift certificates; participation in the LEAF (Linking Education, Activity, and Food) program; and workshops and presentations on various health-related topics. Contact the Wellness Program for more information.

 

We also provide education and referral services for parents, including a biannual Parent Wellness Night and health promotion presentations at the PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association).