About The Health Center

The First Teen Health Center in San Mateo County

The Daly City Youth Health Center (DCHYC) is a school-linked health center affiliated with the Jefferson Union High School District and the San Mateo Medical Center. DCYHC opened in May 1990 and was the first teen health center to open in San Mateo County. Our Primary Medical Clinic is a satellite site of the San Mateo Medical Center. DCYHC operates year-round and serves low-income, at-risk in and out-of-school youth and young adults, ages 13-21 years, living in the following areas: Daly City, Pacifica, Colma, Brisbane, San Bruno and South San Francisco.

Mission Statement

The Daly City Youth Health Center invests in our community through its youth and young adults by providing comprehensive, integrated services and programs that increase resilience, encourage responsibility, and promote self determination.

Targeting At-Risk Youth

Teen pregnancy, poor access to healthcare, and troubling statistics on risk-taking behaviors were the main factors that gave birth to the DCYHC in 1990. Today we continue to target these challenges. There is nothing more basic to a youth’s ability to succeed in school and life than good health. The majority of behavior patterns that pose lifelong health risks begin in adolescence. Teens utilize health care services less than any other age group in the United States and are least likely to seek medical care at a provider's office. Teens are the only population in the United States that has experienced a rise in mortality (death) and morbidity (illness) in recent years.

A School Linked Health Center

Our School-Linked Center contributes to the reduction of health disparities among ethnic groups that are more likely to have higher rates of violent injury, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, use of certain substances, and risky sexual behavior. They are also less likely to have health insurance or to have access to health and mental health services that address these risk factors. Our basic services reduce teen pregnancy, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reduce health care access disparities among disadvantaged communities, reduce public health-care costs, and help youth stay in and improve in school, and graduate. We also help improve parent/youth and family relationships, improve personal efficacy; and promote healthier life-style choices. Our services address the critical link between health and learning.

Our pioneering programs have proven to be more efficient and effective quite simply because we take health care and put it where youth are: in and near schools. This is our common sense approach.

DCYHC Provides Multiple Health Interventions

We treat common ailments, offer reproductive health care, check-ups and immunizations, provide counseling on nutrition and health issues, and manage chronic illnesses, such as asthma and diabetes. We also offer mental-health counseling, including a support and education group for parents of teens.  We offer health education including peer health educator training and classroom-based reproductive health education; job readiness and leadership training; mentoring; case management of pregnant teens; referrals and resources; and assistance for youth and their families in enrolling in public assistance and insurance programs.

A Center Still in Need

The need for DCYHC’s services is growing, spurred by a growing adolescent population, the high cost for families to obtain private health insurance, and unemployment that has left many families without any health insurance. At the same time, school district budgets are constrained, leaving low-income youth with few supports in navigating adolescence.

Our current budget is $1.8 million. Our budget is supported through government grants and contracts, foundation grants, and donations from individuals, families and businesses. For a complete list of who funds us, check out our Annual Report.

For more information call (650) 985 7000.