Counties across the country continue to play a central role in delivering health and behavioral health services, particularly for children and families who may face barriers to care.
In an article from NACo, federal lawmakers are advancing bipartisan legislation to extend the School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) grant program through 2031, an effort that would sustain and expand a proven model for delivering care directly to students.
Introduced by Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), the legislation would reauthorize the program beyond its current 2026 expiration date. The grant program provides competitive funding to support the establishment and operation of school-based health centers, including resources for equipment, workforce training, staffing, and day-to-day operations.
School-based health centers are designed to meet students where they are, within the school building. These centers provide a wide range of services, including primary care, mental health support, substance use counseling, and case management. By embedding services in schools, these health centers help reduce common barriers such as transportation challenges, provider shortages, and gaps in insurance coverage.
From the article:
Nationwide, more than 2,500 SBHCs serve over 6.3 million K-12 students. By providing care where students spend most of their day, these centers help reduce barriers to access, decrease absenteeism and support improved academic outcomes.
These centers are often supported through partnerships between local health departments, school systems, and community-based providers. This collaborative approach allows jurisdictions to align public health services with the needs of students and families, particularly in underserved areas. Reauthorizing the grant program through 2031 would provide greater certainty for these local efforts, helping counties sustain existing programs and expand services where gaps remain.
For many jurisdictions, especially those serving rural or high-need populations, continued federal investment can be a key factor in maintaining access to care. As counties continue to address youth mental health challenges and broader public health needs, school-based health centers remain a practical, locally driven solution. Extending this program would help ensure that more students can access essential services in a setting that is both familiar and accessible.
Click here to learn more about school-based health centers in Maryland counties.
