HHS and ED Launch Joint-Department Effort to Expand School-Based Health Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Education Department (ED) have launched a joint-department effort to expand school-based health services, v The joint effort will provide additional technical assistance, resources and support to schools that will provide guidance on the federal funding available for school-based physical and behavioral health services, including how Medicaid can support the delivery of these services; help reduce federal administrative burden for states and localities, including local educational agencies and barriers to the provision of school-based physical and behavioral health services; and improve and strengthen access to physical and behavioral health services.

“Our nation’s children have been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant impacts on their mental health,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and ED Secretary Miguel A. Cardona. “Youth reports of psychological distress have doubled since the pandemic began, with 25 percent reporting depressive symptoms and 20 percent reporting anxiety symptoms. Children and youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities and those with prior childhood trauma are at particular risk for pandemic-related mental health challenges, as are those who have faced previous discrimination in the healthcare system, including children and youth of color, immigrant children, children with disabilities and those who are LGBTQ+. While the pandemic’s long-term impacts on children and youth are not fully understood, working together to build resilience in children, youth and families can promote equity and support recovery efforts. We will elevate opportunities under the American Rescue Plan funding along with existing federal resources to build a lasting and sustainable healthcare infrastructure for our children and youth.”