New Funding for School-Based Health Centers

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced $75 million in funding to build or renovate school-based health centers. School-based health centers and their sponsoring facilities are eligible for grants aimed at using capital improvements to enhance service delivery, renovate or expand existing sites, or develop new ones. Funds awarded through this grant opportunity can also be used for the purchase of moveable equipment. These grants are part of the Affordable Care Act's School-Based Health Center Capital Program. The deadline to apply for funds through this opportunity is June 26, 2012, with supplemental information due by July 24, 2012.

In addition to posing its own problems, poor health can be a significant barrier to academic achievement. Students with unaddressed health issues, from vision problems to asthma, can have difficulty paying attention and learning in the classroom. Making frequent trips to see health care providers can also reduce the time students spend in school. Furthermore, accessing health services can be difficult for low-income families who may lack insurance or the ability to take time off from work to attend medical appointments. School-based health centers can give low-income families access to vital services that can keep them healthy while supporting their educational success.

For more information about this grant opportunity, please visit its Grants.gov page here.