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ADVOCACYRESOURCESPOLICY STATEMENTSACTION CENTERCAPITOL HILL ACTIVITYSTATE/LOCAL ADVOCACYNATIONAL CAMPAIGNS 

JOIN IN ON NATIONAL ACTIONS Click the links for action guides _____________________________ Email your members of Congress Invite your member of Congress to visit a SBHC Take part in local candidate forums

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) meets with
Michigan delegation, including youth advisors, 2007

Advocacy at NASBHC

NASBHC advocates for national, state, and local policies, programs, and funding that sustain, grow, and integrate school-based health care into our nation’s health care and education systems. Because NASBHC’s advocacy power is derived from our national membership, we communicate with over 1700 SBHCs in over 43 states to broadcast the voice of the school-based health care community. Additionally, through organized statewide SBHC associations, NASBHC works cooperatively with 20 states to help advance federal, state, and local policy changes by providing training and resources (including our Action Center).

As the leader in federal SBHC policy, we promote the following policy initiatives:

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SBHCS and the Presidential candidates’ agendas

School-based health centers (SBHCs) should be solutions in both Senator Obama and Senator McCain’s health care plans. NASBHC recently reviewed each campaign’s plan and identified a number of areas where SBHCs fit. Please take a moment to read the letter to sent to the McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden campaigns. After reading the letter, please stress the importance of SBHCs in your community by contacting campaigns and letting them know that there is a strong voice for SBHCs in the United States.

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State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

In 2007 Congress twice passed legislation to re-authorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which included language recognizing SBHCs. After two Presidential vetoes, Congress decided to approve SCHIP funding at current levels until March 2009. NASBHC will continue to build on the success and advocate for a stronger SCHIP bill in 2009.  Learn more 

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School-based health center federal grant program

A federally authorized program is the first step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of SBHCs. NASBHC has taken this step with "The School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2007."  Learn more about the legislation and how you can get involved. 

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Children’s Safety Net Protected

The war supplemental measure which contained language placing moratoria on federal regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) passed the Senate and House overwhelmingly. With a vote of 416 to 12 in the House and 92 to 6 in the Senate, child advocates can breathe a sigh of relief – that is until April 2009 when the moratoria for school-based services, targeted case management, and rehabilitation services are set to expire. The bill was subsequently signed by President Bush and ensures that the public safety net system for children is protected, extends unemployment insurance for 13 weeks, provides federal aid for the Gulf Coast and Midwest, and provides additional supports for veterans. Click for background information.

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School Health Policies

NASBHC supports legislation that advances medical and mental health care in schools. We provide support to the legislation through organizational letters of support, coalition activity and actions as needed.  Learn more about the policies.