Bipartisan legislation introduced to extend School-Based Health Centers grant program through 2031

Key Takeaways

On April 6, Reps. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 8209) to reauthorize the School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) grant program through 2031. The program is currently authorized through 2026.

The SBHC grant program provides competitive funding to support the establishment and operation of school-based health centers. Grants can be used to acquire or lease equipment, support workforce training, pay staff salaries and cover operational and management costs. The program prioritizes communities facing significant barriers to care, including areas with high rates of uninsured children.

SBHCs are a critical access point for care, particularly for students who may not otherwise receive regular medical services. Located within schools, they deliver a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, mental health services, substance use counseling and case management.

Nationwide, more than 2,500 SBHCs serve over 6.3 million K-12 students. By providing care where students spend most of their day, these centers help reduce barriers to access, decrease absenteeism and support improved academic outcomes.

What does this mean for counties?

Counties play a central role in supporting SBHCs through public health systems and cross-sector partnerships with schools, providers and community organizations. Reauthorizing the program through 2031 would help sustain and expand these locally driven efforts, ensuring more children can access essential health services.

As Congress considers this legislation, counties continue to advocate for policies that strengthen community health infrastructure and improve outcomes for young residents.