We soak up so much in one day without having time to deal with it in the proper way. And we do not have the attention that we need in schools.

Sure, there are counselors. But what about the youth that need more comprehensive treatment? It's a proven fact that if teens are emotional and mentally healthier, they're able to learn more. I believe a school-based health center (SBHC) would give youth more aid when it comes to mental health.

The centers provide mental health assessments, which can prevent long-term health risks. They also have the health care providers available to help teens who are not able to access one-on-one treatment. There are more than 50 school health centers in North Carolina and 1,900 across the country.

But there is only one school-linked health center and zero school-based facilities in Wake County. Centers operate on an average budget of $225,000 annually with revenue coming from patient billing, foundation grants, state funds and community and school support.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services partially funds half the centers across the state and without this funding many would not exist. In 2009, SBHCs became federally authorized safety-net providers because they provide access to care for the growing uninsured population of young people and their families.

School-based health centers provide so much to the community and its youth with care that includes comprehensive well-child visits, adolescent exams, immunizations, mental health assessment and disease prevention programs. Right now, Wake County schools only have one nurse for every 2,100 students.

This means that nurses aren't even available at school on a daily basis. A school-based health center would be available everyday and would have physicians and registered nurses to provide care right when we need it.

The centers also decrease student absenteeism and boost graduation rates. They are partnerships created by school and community health organizations to promote medical and mental health and educational successes.

Because no matter how effective the school or staff are, unless youth are safe, emotionally secure and physically healthy, they cannot learn at an acceptable pace. I know that as a student the last thing I want to be worried about is the mind-numbing headache I have or the slight depression I may be feeling.

And because youth spend most of their time in school anyway, why not provide a quick place to go without leaving school.

Wake County needs a school-based health center so that youth and their parents can be relaxed, healthy and stress-free.