KING COUNTY, WA - As the new school year gets underway, parents and students are urged to take advantage of the numerous services supported by Public Health - Seattle & King County's Youth Health Services, especially the health centers for youth found at or near local schools.

"Youth trust these health providers. When adolescents visit one of the dozen centers throughout King County, they receive high-quality health care, and they are treated with utmost friendliness and respect," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"In the past, many adolescents have been reluctant to seek medical care, but by providing teen-focused health services, we are able to educate teens on health issues and provide them with physical and mental care," said Seattle Mayor Paul Schell.

"In our effort to reduce the barriers for teens who wish to access health care, we are launching the Youth Health Services webpages," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Visit the new Youth Health Services webpages: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/yhs

These webpages have information on:

• location and services of the 12 school-based and school-linked health centers
• the Youth Health Services Report, which includes data from the youth health centers
• other Youth Health Services programs and partnerships

Parental consent is required to receive services at the health centers. Consent forms are mailed to parents at the beginning of each school year, and forms are also available at health centers.

Sports physicals are required for students participating in most after-school athletic activities. Students, including those who do not have insurance and access to other health services, can visit a youth health center for these exams.

Youth Health Services is a program partially funded by the Seattle Families and Education Levy.