The
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to announce
the availability of grant funds for Arkansas public school districts to
implement school-based health centers in partnership with community physical
health and mental health providers. The Arkansas School-Based Health Center
(SBHC) Initiative is a competitive funding opportunity for districts to
implement on-campus medical and mental health service partnerships. The Arkansas School-Based Health Center
program is intended to promote health, wellness, and academic achievement in
Arkansas public schools.
School-based
health centers provide access to basic physical, mental, dental, or other
services, as needed. The health center provides services beyond the scope of
the school nurse practice and, therefore, is not intended to replace the school
nurse. The intent of the center is to act as a resource for wellness and
prevention for public school students and staff.
All
Arkansas public school districts intending to establish a new health center are
eligible to apply for grant funding up to $150,000. One SBHC per district may be funded by the
DESE during a current funding cycle. Grant recipients will be eligible to
receive an annual distribution of funds for a three-year funding period. Annual
renewal is based on a review of implementation progress and appropriation of
state funding. The applying school district must act as the lead grantee and
the fiscal agent for the grant funds awarded.
In
order to be eligible for the 2022-2023 SBHC funding cycle, districts must have
a representative attend the SBHC Grant Writing Technical Assistance Training
via zoom scheduled on Monday, February 14, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. Registration is required for this
event. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the meeting. Attending this event will act
as a notice of intent to apply and deem the district eligible to continue the
application process. Use
this link to register.
Districts should submit applications as a single PDF file
attachment to Brittany.Rogers@ade.arkansas.gov.
The email subject line should reference the “2022-2023 SBHC Grant
Application”. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, March 31,
2022.
For questions regarding the School-Based Health
Center Program or other school health programming, please contact the DESE
School Health Services Office at 501-683-3604.