What’s New with LASBHC           
                          
Click here for SBHC 2009 Training Calendar

We are pleased to announce the 2006 Legislative Session included an additional $1 million for SBHCs, including an 8% raise in contracts and six additional planning grants for new sites. In addition, we were successful in getting $2.9 million dollars included for Medicaid reimbursement to Social Workers and $600,000 to assist with the restart of sites in New Orleans.

Call to Action: We desperately need Senator Vitter to become an Original Co-Sponsor of NASBHC’s authorizing bill for School-Based Health Centers. We need his commitment by January 10th, 2007. Please contact Senator Vitter today and tell him to we need him on this. Find his contact information at http://www.legis.state.la.us/district/zipcode.asp

Here are NASBHC’s Talking Points:

  1. The “School-Based Health Clinic Establishment Act of 2006” amends the Public Health Service Act to create a school-based health clinic program within the Federal Government.
  2. The purpose of the Act is to fund the development and operation of school-based health clinics to provide comprehensive primary health care to medically underserved children and youth.
  3. The Act will create a nationally competitive grant based program administered by HRSA.
  4. Preference will be given to SBHCs that demonstrate an ability to provide services on or near school grounds to underserved child and adolescent communities as defined in the legislation.
  5. No preference will be given to specific sbhc provider types; grant funds are available to any type of sponsoring entity.
  6. Eligibility requires the applicant to meet minimum service delivery standards as outlined in the legislation and demonstrate the need for such services.
  7. Federal funds received through this grant program are intended to support, not supplement, other dollars currently supporting the sbhc grantee.
  8. The Act requests a $50,000,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2007 and such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year through 2011.
  9. This Act was created in close partnership with NACHC (National Association of Community Health Centers).

Current Status

  1. Congressional sponsors are: Senator Smith (R-OR) and Senator Dodd (D-CT)
  2. The legislation is scheduled to be introduced in early September and is currently with legislative council for additional revisions
  3. NASBHC is currently seeking additional original co-sponsors prior to the Act’s introduction
  4. Congressman Walden (R-OR) and Dingell (D-MI) have agreed to sponsor legislation in the House

Special Session Update

LASBHC offers no position on any legislation up before the December Special Session

Calendar

January 10th, 2007 – OPH TA Seminar for planning grantees, Baton Rouge, LA

March 21-22 (23) - 11th Annual LASBHC Conference, Baton Rouge, LA

June 28th- 30th – NASBHC Annual Conference, Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C