Several social media users, including an account known for inciting harassment, are targeting Gardiner High School in Maine for attempting to open a school-based health center that would provide primary care services. The center, which is awaiting school board approval, would aim to remove barriers to physical and mental health care for youth by offering services like annual physicals, vaccinations, and mental health care on school property. Since Maine allows health care providers to offer some confidential services to minors, parents have expressed concern that this clinic would facilitate minors making health decisions that they are “not mature enough” to make without parental support. The most popular post has over 16,000 engagements as of December 11. Notably, minors in Maine cannot receive vaccination without the consent of a parent or guardian. Some posts encourage parents to homeschool their children and claim that the clinic is a “nefarious” way to vaccinate more children. While most comments expressed outrage that youths could potentially receive vaccines without parental consent, some suggested that the health center would influence youths to be trans by providing gender-affirming mental health care and pushing so-called “transgender drugs.”
Recommendation: 
About Us
Sign Up for Public Health Alerts
About Us
Learn More
