HB 281 strengthens the current program for initiating school based health centers.  The bill expands the length of time for grants for school-based heath centers from three to five years and allows other community organizations and hospitals to receive the grants to establish a school-based heath center in cooperation with a school district.

BACKGROUND:

 In 1999, during the 76 regular session, HB 2202 was passed authorizing the Dept. of State Health Services to provide school- based health center start-up funding.  That funding has been used to initiate centers based at schools which provide a combination of physical and mental health services to students and students' family members.  These centers not only provide preventive care, but also assist with issues that affect the learning and growth of students.  Preference is given school-based health centers in school districts that are located in rural areas or that have low property wealth per student. The initial start-up funding for these centers can only be granted to school districts for a new center and only lasts three years.  Many school-based health centers which have received funding have not had enough time to establish other sources of revenue to sustain the centers once the initial funding ends.  HB 281 expands the time period for grants and allows them to be used for existing centers.  Also, the bill allows other community organizations and hospitals to receive the grants to establish a school-based health center in cooperation with a school district.