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 2023-2024 SBHC funding cycle,
districts must have a representative attend the SBHC Grant Writing Technical
Assistance Training via zoom scheduled on Monday, February 13, 2023, 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 ade.schoolhealthservices@ade.arkansas.gov. The email subject
line should reference the “2023-2024 SBHC Grant Application”.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 31, 2023.
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.