“Meds & Eds”: Dr. Bernett L. Johnson, Jr. Sayre Health Center as an Innovative Solution to Two Philadelphia Problems

Abstract

    Summary

Philadelphia struggles to meet the primary health care needs of its poor citizens.  Over-utilization of emergency room services to treat nonurgent matters, because of reduced access to primary care, has escalated health care costs to unmanageable levels. Poor public health also negatively impacts the city’s educational system. Students with chronic conditions may disproportionately suffer from absenteeism and reduced academic performance, which can impact timely graduation.  Philadelphia high school students are also unprepared for either the workforce or post-secondary opportunities. The Sayre Health Center, created through a partnership of the University of Pennsylvania, William L. Sayre High School, and the West Philadelphia community, provides a simple solution to multiple problems.

Sayre Health Center, housed within Sayre High School in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a 501(c)(3), school-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that offers access to affordable health care, health education, and health literacy to community members. Through its innovative “Meds and Eds” program, the brainchild of co-founder the late Dr. Bernett L. Johnson, Jr., Sayre Health Center prepares Sayre High School students for careers in allied health fields. Undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania also experience service-based learning and interdisciplinary education at the Center. The cumulative effect on education is a continuum of mentorship from high school through to professional life.

By jointly addressing the health care and educational needs of its community, Sayre Health Center is uniquely positioned to offer social benefit. However, to maximize its impact, the Center should consider opportunities to expand, such as getting involved in day-to-day care for the Sayre High School student population. This recommendation, while not without possible difficulties, would reduce the burden on the school nurse, potentially reduce absenteeism, and have a net-zero impact on the school budget. This model could easily be replicated in other high schools.

Bernett L. Johnson, Jr., MD (1932-2009), received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 1957. Dr. Johnson had an illustrious clinical and military career. In the Navy, he achieved the rank of Captain and received the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements while serving as Commander of the Naval Hospital of Yokosuka, Japan. As a civilian, he was a Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine while serving in other major roles as the Chief Medical Officer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Senior Associate Dean of Veterans Affairs, and the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Community Outreach. Dr. Johnson made indelible impressions on his students, his patients, and the staff of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and Health System. Through his vision of the “Meds & Eds Service Model,” personal dedication, and team-building capabilities, the Sayre Health Center was opened in 2007. In honor of Dr. Johnson, the health center was renamed the Dr. Bernett L. Johnson Jr. Sayre Health Center on March 30, 2010.