The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, has released a competitive funding opportunity for School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) in Ohio for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This grant is designed to support the planning, start-up, and operational expansion of SBHCs located in or adjacent to schools where such services are currently not available. SBHCs provide critical services including medical, dental, vision, and mental health care directly within school settings, reducing barriers to healthcare access for youth and improving educational outcomes.
The purpose of this funding is to increase the number and sustainability of SBHCs across Ohio, particularly targeting underserved communities and Health Professional Shortage Areas. The grant supports three types of projects: planning grants (up to $50,000 in year one, up to $500,000 in year two), start-up grants (up to $500,000 in year one, up to $100,000 in year two), and operational or expansion grants (up to $500,000 in year one, up to $100,000 in year two). Eligible expenses include staffing, equipment, training, construction (up to $250,000 in capital costs), and community engagement activities. Optional deliverables such as academic data collection and behavioral health quality improvement initiatives may qualify for additional funding.
To qualify, applicants must be local public or nonprofit agencies capable of providing comprehensive primary care to youth and must have the ability to accept electronic funds transfers. Additional eligibility requirements include proper licensure, demonstrated financial responsibility, and partnerships with schools. Planning and start-up applicants must provide letters of support or MOUs from their partner school districts.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Grants Management Information System Portal (GMISP) by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an informational session scheduled via Teams on May 15, 2025. Contact persons for further information include LeAndra Capers (LeAndra.Capers@odh.ohio.gov) and Jennifer Casertano (Jennifer.casertano@odh.ohio.gov).
Evaluation criteria include the quality and clarity of the application, alignment with public health goals, demonstration of need, qualifications of personnel, and adherence to required deliverables. Selected applicants will be notified through a Notice of Award from the ODH Director. Program and budget periods run from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with a potential extension into 2027 depending on performance and available funding. Monthly or quarterly reporting and expenditure documentation are required to maintain funding compliance.
