Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education 2023-2024 School-Based Health Center Request for Applications

Memo Information

Memo Number
LS-23-039
Memo Date
1/12/2023
Memo Type
Informational
Unit
Learning Services
Regulatory Authority
Response Required
NO
Attention
Federal Programs; Assistant Superintendent; Principals; School Counselors; District Coordinators (ALE; Homeless; ESOL; SDFS & Foster)

Primary Contact Information

Secondary Contact/s Information

Memo Reference

No references available.

Memo Text

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.

 

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