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Starting a School-Based Health Center


The Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health, will fund School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) as funding allows. The Bureau of Health funding is to allow schools and communities to establish a SBHC. Ongoing funding of the center must be obtained from other sources.

Is Your School and Community Ready to Support a School-Based Health Center?

Here are some preliminary questions to ask:

  • What are students' needs?
  • Is there support from the School Board? Superintendent? Principal? Other key school personnel?
  • What is the current political environment like in the school district, the local religious community, and the state?
  • What is the make-up of the School Board, Parent Teacher Organization, and Community Advisory Council (if applicable)?
  • Is there support from local health care providers?
  • What is the current health education like in the school? (Is it comprehensive?)
  • What are the school's and the community's histories in dealing with controversy?
  • Are there other programs in the school supportive of a healthy environment?


The experience of School-Based Health Centers around the nation has shown that it takes a long time to get a SBHC up and running -- at least a year.

The following is a partial list of tasks involved in the planning and development of a SBHC:

  • Conduct needs assessment survey
  • Identify funding
  • Write a proposal
  • Plan services
  • Develop budget
  • Form a Community Advisory Board to help guide the development process
  • Work out arrangements and policies with school
  • Design and renovate physical space
  • Obtain equipment and supplies
  • Hire administrator and staff
  • Organize clinical services, develop procedures
  • Develop systems procedures for center staff
  • Negotiate relationships with school staff
  • Market services to school faculty, staff, students, and parents
  • Develop long-term fundraising plan

A SBHC must be organized with strong community support and involvement; without this, a new SBHC cannot start. Understanding the issues involved in the development of a SBHC will help the start-up process to go more smoothly. Thorough research before taking action will help to ensure a successful SBHC for your school and community.

For more information on School-Based Health Centers, contact the Teen & Young Adult Health Program at the Bureau of Health: 287-5361. TTY phone for deaf/hearing impaired: 1-800-438-5514.



Updated: Jun 28th, 2010 - 12:08:36
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