The 2021 Oregon State Legislature dedicated $7.5 million to continue to support School-Based Health Center (SBHC) mental health capacity during the 2021-2023 biennium. This funding supports both Capacity Grants and Youth-Led Project Grants.
Capacity Grants
While nearly all of Oregon’s certified SBHCs offer behavioral health services, the SBHC State Program Office (SPO) awards Mental Health Expansion Grant funds to 65 SBHCs to support provider time and ensure SBHCs can continue to provide both billable and non-billable behavioral health services.
Youth-Led Project Grants
In addition to funding for providers in SBHCs, the Mental Health Expansion Grant funding supports youth-led mental health projects. The SPO funds 25 SBHCs across seven counties to reduce mental health stigma, promote SBHC access, promote student resiliency at SBHC host schools, and engage youth in leadership roles in their communities. Past projects have included holding Youth Advisory Council (YAC) meetings, Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) projects, food pantry and hygiene supply closets, stress management resources for students, creation of materials addressing misconceptions and promoting SBHCs, and educational campaigns about mental health issues identified by YAC members.