Healthcare, both physical and mental, is a vital element of the continuum of services required by homeless and at-risk youth, and one of the most difficult to obtain. Covenant House New Jersey, recognizing this fact, opened an on site, full service health office at the Atlantic City site in 1999 and at the Newark site in March 2001. Foremost, we are committed to providing exceptional medical care to youth who are disenfranchised from any health services delivery system.

In Newark, hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., throughout the year. No fees are charged. The nurse practitioner, when not on site, is available 24 hours a day via beeper.

In Atlantic City, the health clinic program is under the supervision of Mary Ann Daly, Director of Program Services. A New Jersey licensed nurse practitioner provides 12 clinic hours per week on site, under the supervision of a physician. The physician provides six volunteer hours per week and is on call as needed.

Most youth served are between the ages of 16 and 22. Years of emotional deprivation, often coupled with neglect and/or physical abuse, make it difficult for these young people to trust anyone. As a result, they often fail to follow through on referrals they are given and therefore they usually fall through the cracks, making them more vulnerable to illness and insufficient medical care.

Within 72 hours of intake, residents receive physical and mental health screenings and those youth who are fully enrolled in the day services program are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the services. Initial screenings include the taking of medial histories and identifying acute and chronic conditions. HIV and tuberculosis tests are conducted and immunizations given. For those youth suffering from acute infections, a course of treatment is prescribed. Those diagnosed with chronic conditions are also treated and referred to appropriate specialists.

Teenage mothers with babies who come to Covenant House's Crisis/Community Service Center for day services are eligible for health services. Pregnant teens receive pre- and post-natal care and are assisted with arrangements for delivery.

Heath Services also provide health education workshops on the importance of good health and how to achieve it. Topics include nutrition, substance abuse prevention, sleep, cleanliness, etc. Pregnant and parenting teens attend workshops on breastfeeding, baby development, home safety, nutrition, baby care, etc.