Arkansas School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Initiative

The Arkansas School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Initiative, administered by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is a competitive grant program designed to foster the development, enhancement, and expansion of school-based medical and mental health service partnerships in Arkansas public schools. The program reflects a commitment to improving health outcomes, promoting wellness, and supporting academic achievement by offering accessible, campus-based healthcare solutions for students and staff. Through this initiative, DESE aims to provide Arkansas school districts with the financial resources necessary to establish sustainable health centers that go beyond the traditional school nurse model. All public school districts in Arkansas are eligible to apply for funding of up to $150,000 to support efforts to either establish a new school-based health center, enhance an existing center, or expand the scope of services offered. Funding is awarded on a three-year cycle with decreasing annual disbursements: 100% in the first year, 70% in the second, and 50% in the third. Continued funding is contingent upon annual reviews of implementation progress and the availability of state appropriations. Importantly, only one SBHC per district may be funded during a current three-year cycle, and districts must serve as both the lead applicant and the fiscal agent for awarded funds. Applicants are required to attend a mandatory, in-person Grant Writing Technical Assistance Training on January 20, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Attendance at this training serves as the district’s formal notice of intent to apply. In the case of inclement weather, the training will be rescheduled for January 27, 2026. Completed applications must be submitted via email as a single PDF attachment to [email protected] no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026. To qualify for funding, districts must meet a comprehensive set of implementation and operational requirements. These include employing a full-time registered nurse, appointing a full-time SBHC coordinator, and partnering with licensed medical and mental health professionals to provide direct services. While dental and optometry services are optional, the SBHC must offer basic medical and mental health care, with telehealth services permissible under approved guidelines. Additionally, grant recipients must develop annual enrollment plans, ensure access to immunizations and well-child checks, support chronic disease management, and provide mental health screenings and individual therapeutic services. The initiative also emphasizes rigorous accountability and professional development. Grantees must participate in mandatory state and national training events and submit detailed quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports on enrollment, financials, progress, and performance. Districts are expected to develop policies compliant with HIPAA and FERPA and must pursue third-party reimbursement for SBHC services, including enrollment with Medicaid. Budgets must adhere to strict guidelines, with allowable expenses ranging from salaries and training to equipment and operational costs. Any deviation over 10% in a budget category requires pre-approval. Applications must include a full narrative, budget details, and supporting appendices as outlined in the provided template. Required documents include a building sketch, staff profiles, letters of support, and an organizational chart. By supporting integrated healthcare delivery in schools, the SBHC Initiative seeks to improve student health outcomes and reduce barriers to learning through accessible, quality care delivered where students need it most.