The School-Based Health Alliance is a

nonprofit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...

that promotes and supports school-based health centers in the United States.

About

The School-Based Health Alliance was founded in 1995. The School-Based Health Alliance advocates for national policies, programs, and funding to expand and strengthen centers, while also supporting the movement with training and technical assistance. They establish and advocate for national policy priorities, promote high-quality clinical practices and standards, support data collection and reporting, evaluation, and research, and provide training, technical assistance, and consultation. We believe that all children and adolescents deserve to thrive. But too many struggle because they lack equitable access to health care services. School-based health care is the solution, bringing health care to where students already spend the majority of their time: in school. When schools, families, students, and the community work together, students win! School-based health centers (SBHCs) located in or near schools, provide the nation's vulnerable children and youth with access to primary care, behavioral health, oral health, and vision care where they spend the majority of their time – at school. Working at the intersection of health and education, SBHCs collaborate with school districts, school principals, teachers, school staff, families, and students. This collaboration, care coordination, and

youth engagement Youth engagement is the sentiment young people feel towards a particular person, activity, place or outcome. It has been a focus of youth development, public policy and social change movements for at least forty years.Pittman, K. (n.d."Balancing th ...

results in not only improved student, school staff, and community

health literacy Health literacy is the ability to obtain, read, understand, and use healthcare information in order to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. There are multiple definitions of health literacy, in part because hea ...

and outcomes, but also contributes to positive educational outcomes including reduced absenteeism, decreased disciplinary actions and suspensions, and improved graduation rates. SBHCs advocate for the needs of low-income children, youth, and families, provide them with a safe haven, and serve as a protective factor that reduces poor health and education outcomes.

References

* * {{Cite web , date=2025-02-04 , title=Garbarino, Schrier, Valadao, Craig Introduce Legislation To Grow Health Care Workforce {{! Representative Andrew Garbarino , url=https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-schrier-valadao-craig-introduce-legislation-grow-health-care?fbclid=IwY2xjawIbHh1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXtdgb6cXhI3VSUxsuAYgJNdh8fiei7WumndhT2JG5NsEXHrdWlXcXj2Tg_aem_gU7coDCGxTVFWaQAv2WCmw , access-date=2025-02-13 , website=garbarino.house.gov , language=en

External links

School-Based Health Alliance home page
Health industry trade groups based in the United States Medical and health organizations based in Washington, D.C.