Addressing Post-Pandemic Adolescent Health in Schools

In summary, pandemic school closures and re-opening of schools universally represented a challenge to AYA, their families, and school systems. We have strong evidence of long-lasting learning deficits which will take years to address. Learning deficiencies weree compounded by digital inequalities which affected marginalized AYA disproportionately. Recovery from the learning deficits will take concerted effort and sustained funding. We have strong evidence of the social benefits of in-person school learning and the social fabric of schools will need to be addressed in the reopening of schools. We recognize that SBHC have a vital role in restoring the physical and mental tolls of the pandemic for AYA in the future. As such, SBHC will need to be supported by families, communities, and government funding.