HHS Makes $25 Million Available to Expand Primary Care Services in Schools
For the first time, applicants will be required to add or expand mental health services to receive school-based funding.
- By BSTQ Staff
Through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the availability of approximately $25 million to expand primary healthcare, including mental health services, in schools. For the first time, applicants will be required to add or expand mental health services to receive school-based funding. HRSA-funded health centers currently operate more than 3,400 school-based service sites in schools across the country.
School-based service sites provide convenient access to primary healthcare for children and adolescents. HRSA-funded health centers will use this funding to expand access to general primary medical and mental healthcare through both new school-based sites and expand existing sites. HRSA anticipates funding 70 awards.
The $25 million funding opportunity for health centers builds on the $30 million HRSA has awarded since September 2021 to increase access to health center services in schools. Further, it advances the department’s shared commitment to expand school-based health services as outlined in their joint letter to governors. In addition, this funding is part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the nation’s mental health.
References
HHS Announces the Availability of $25 Million to Expand Primary Care — Including Mental Health — Services in Schools. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release, March 10, 2023. Accessed at www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/03/10/hhs-announces-the-availability-of-25-million-dollars-to-expand-primary-care.html.
