School Based Health Center
A school-based health center (SBHC) is collaborative, student-focused and youth friendly.
School-based Health Centers
School-based health centers (SBHC) are a collaboration between the community, the school, and a sponsoring health care agency that operates the school-based health center. They are located in or near a school and provide integrated medical, behavioral, and other health care services such as dental care. The health care sponsor can be a community clinic, hospital, health care system, public health department, locally controlled tribal health clinic, and/or tribal health program.
SBHCs offer key age-appropriate and youth-friendly medical and behavioral health services to Washington youth. They also help reduce common barriers to health care access and are conveniently located for young people and their families.
SBHC timeline
Washington State’s first SBHC program began in Seattle in 1989. Today, there are over 70 SBHCs operated by more than 25 health care sponsors. These SBHCs serve thousands of students across the state. In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1225 to have the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) support SBHCs through grant funding . This bill helped expand and sustain statewide SBHCs, with focus on communities that have been historically underserved.
Supporting adolescent mental and behavioral health
Following Substitute House Bill 1225, DOH requested additional support to respond to young people’s growing mental and behavioral health needs. The request included additional funding to expand behavioral health screening, referral, and care for adolescents and transition-age youth in both academic and nonacademic settings, including in SBHCs. In 2021, DOH received $720,000 in state funds for behavioral health improvement grants to support established SBHCs .
Building partnerships
DOH partnered with the Washington School Based Health Alliance and other partners to define grant and funding criteria and award statewide grants.
To learn more about the SBHC model and other SBHCs throughout the state, visit the Washington School-Based Health Alliance .
SBHC grant awardee stories
SBHCs in the news:
Read on for more about DOH SBHC grant awardees.
Grays Harbor County Public Health at North Beach School District
Grays Harbor County Public Health at North Beach School District . Click to expand.
The North Beach School-Based Health Center officially opened in 2024 at North Beach Jr/Sr High School. We are currently offering medical services to all district students and staff regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. We are also collaborating with district staff to offer screenings and assessments for students with suspected autism spectrum disorder. Our goals include improving local access to quality care and decreasing school absenteeism in order to strengthen the overall health and wellbeing of the students.
White Salmon Valley School District
White Salmon Valley School District. Click to expand.
The White Salmon Valley School District's Health and Wellness Center has entered its sixth year of providing services to the student population. This includes referrals for one-on-one counseling services, therapy groups, and as needed drop-in support. The Health and Wellness Center also partners with Klickitat County Health Department to provide health consultations; WAGAP to address basic needs such as food, shelter, energy assistance and more; and The Next Door, Inc.’s Youth Outreach Worker, Culture Seed, a non-profit providing a variety of supports for youth and independent therapists.
Mount Baker School District, Healthy Baker SBHC
Mount Baker School District, Healthy Baker SBHC. Click to expand.
Mount Baker School District is excited to work with Sea Mar Community Health Centers to bring our vision of a school-based health center to reality. The Healthy Baker Advisory Committee conducted a thoughtful needs assessment, working with local social and medical services providers, parents, students, and school staff. The team was adaptive and overcame challenges around renovations, timeline, and communications to see the project to fruition.
Sea Mar CHC at Tacoma Public Schools
Sea Mar CHC at Tacoma Public Schools. Click to expand.
Sea Mar Community Health Center, in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools, is currently in the process of implementing a School-Based Health Center in Lincoln High School in Tacoma, WA. This project is being led by Thaisy Kirkhart and April Olsen from Sea Mar Tacoma Medical Clinic. This will be one of two SBHCs Sea Mar CHC will be opening in 2024 and the third SBHC for the organization, with a fourth in the works! The clinic will provide primary care for the students of Tacoma Public Schools. Our goal is to bridge the gap between access and affordable health care for the students and staff in this community.
Centering Health at Options High School at Bellingham School District
Centering Health at Options High School at Bellingham School District. Click to expand.
Bellingham Public Schools is planning for our first SBHC in partnership with students, staff, families and local health care and community organizations. In April 2024, we opened the first phase of the health center focused on basic needs support and mental health in partnership with Compass Health. The center now provides a quiet, light-filled space for support groups, a one-on-one counseling office, food pantry, and clothing closet. Recognizing our community’s collective commitment to Bellingham’s youth, we are in the final stages of confirming a partnership with a health care organization to provide medical services beginning January 2025.
The Freedom Clinic
The Freedom Clinic . Click to expand.
The Freedom Clinic is a partnership of the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom and the Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, a K-12 anti-racist school. The Freedom Clinic is a community-designed health center offering clinical care, health promotion programs, and introductions to health careers. By designing the Freedom Clinic from top to bottom, the school community has created a health care model that is by community, for community.
Family Health Center at Bridgeport School District
Family Health Center at Bridgeport School District. Click to expand.
Family Health Centers is offering SBHC access in the Okanagan and Douglas counties, including the Bridgeport School District.
Family Health Center at Brewster School District
Family Health Center at Brewster School District . Click to expand.
Family Health Centers is offering SBHC access in the Okanagan and Douglas counties, including the Brewster School District.
CHAS Health at Shiloh Hills Elementary School
CHAS Health at Shiloh Hills Elementary School. Click to expand.
The Shiloh Hills Elementary School SBHC opened in early 2023 and is the first SBHC for Mead School District.
CHAS Health at North Central High School
CHAS Health at North Central High School. Click to expand.
The North Central High School SBHC opened in May 2024 and serves as an expansion of our SBHC services within Spokane Public School District.
HealthPoint Thomas Jefferson Health Center
HealthPoint Thomas Jefferson Health Center. Click to expand.
HealthPoint partnered with Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) to open an SBHC at Thomas Jefferson High School in December 2021. All middle school and high school aged students enrolled in the FWPS District are eligible to receive services at the Thomas Jefferson Health Center (TJHC) regardless of insurance status or ability to pay out of pocket. For the 2024-25 school year, the SBHC has two behavioral health providers on site to support scholars’ mental health, alongside the medical provider and clinic coordinator. From opening through August 2024, TJHC has conducted 1,974 visits.
Port Townsend School-Based Health Center
Port Townsend School-Based Health Center. Click to expand.
Port Townsend High School opened its School-Based Health Center in 2008-2009 with volunteer and donations support from students and businesses in the community to prepare the clinic on a shoestring budget.
Quilcene School Based Health Center
Quilcene School Based Health Center. Click to expand.
Quilcene School opened its SBHC in spring of 2021 after careful community input and planning, operated by Jefferson County Public Health. In the 2022-2023 school year, Jefferson County Public Health offered an additional day for mental health services in response to increased student need. Our continuing grant funds provide mental health services on day per week.
Chimacum School Based Health Center
Chimacum School Based Health Center. Click to expand.
The School-Based Health Center was opened at Chimacum Jr/Sr High School in 2008-2009 with support of students, staff and community. In response to students' increased need for greater access to mental health services, Jefferson County Public Health offered an additional day per week of mental health services for the 2022-2023 school year, thanks to funds from our Operations grant through DOH SBHC program. Our continuing grant funds provide mental health services one day/week.
Peninsula Community Health Services at North Mason School District
Peninsula Community Health Services at North Mason School District. Click to expand.
PCHS established their first SBHC in 2018 at North Mason School District. The SBHC serves three different schools on a consolidated campus.
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Lowell Elementary School
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Lowell Elementary School. Click to expand.
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Beacon Hill International School
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Beacon Hill International School. Click to expand.
At Beacon Hill International School, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic provides medical and mental and behavioral health care on site, with additional focus around parenting groups, community mental health workers and care coordination, offering a variety of resources, services and care to support the community. Services range from well child checks, vaccines, food security, mental health therapy, family support groups and free safety device distribution such as helmets and life jackets. This year, the WA State Dept. of Health operations grant will allow Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic to expand services to include the following:
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Garfield High School
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Garfield High School. Click to expand.
At Garfield High School, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic provides medical, mental and behavioral healthcare, and nutrition services. Some specific areas of care include opioid overdose prevention, reproductive healthcare, community mental health support and care coordination, offering wraparound care for a variety of social, physical and emotional support, engaging students to advocate and thrive at school and in their communities. Services range from acute care, well child checks, vaccines, food security, mental health therapy, nutrition counseling, suicidality screenings and more. This year, the WA State Dept. of Health operations grant will allow Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic to expand services to include the following:
Seattle Roots at NOVA Wellness Center
Seattle Roots at NOVA Wellness Center. Click to expand.
Seattle Roots operates SBHCs at both Meany Middle School and Nova High School. Although the schools serve different populations, mental health needs at both schools are very high, and we recognized a lack of resource provision and connection. With funding from Washington's School Based Health Centers grant, an SBHC care coordinator was hired to support both clinics and to help locate and connect students and families to resources, especially those related to mental health.
Seattle Roots at Meany Health Center
Seattle Roots at Meany Health Center. Click to expand.
Seattle Roots operates SBHCs at both Meany Middle School and Nova High School. Although the schools serve different populations, mental health needs at both schools are very high, and we recognized a lack of resource provision and connection. With funding from Washington's School Based Health Centers grant, an SBHC care coordinator was hired to support both clinics and to help locate and connect students and families to resources, especially those related to mental health.
Columbia Basin Health Association at Othello School District
Columbia Basin Health Association at Othello School District . Click to expand.
Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) partnered with the Othello School District (OSD) Wahluke School District (WSD), Royal School District (RSD), and North Franklin School District (NFSD) to develop a "hybrid-telehealth" school-based health center (SBHC) model focusing on behavioral health. Now more than ever, we have witnessed firsthand that students are in need of extra support to combat thoughts of suicide, find a sense of belonging, beat anxiety and depression, and so much more. The intention of the SBHC is to focus on the "Whole Child Approach," while providing behavioral health services to students via a QR code or in person, frequently engaging with OSD staff to provide behavioral health professional development and promoting behavioral health awareness and reducing the associated stigma throughout the rural communities of Othello, Mattawa, Royal City, Connell, Mesa, and Basin City, Washington.
The Health Center at Garrison Middle School
The Health Center at Garrison Middle School. Click to expand.
The Health Center was one of the first SBHCs created in eastern Washington in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations. In November 2023, the Health Center opened its Garrison clinic and expanded its services to an additional 500 students.
The Health Center at Walla Walla High School
The Health Center at Walla Walla High School. Click to expand.
The Health Center was one of the first SBHCs created in eastern Washington, back in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations.
The Health Center at Pioneer Middle School
The Health Center at Pioneer Middle School. Click to expand.
The Health Center was one of the first SBHCs created in eastern Washington, back in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations.
The Health Center at Lincoln High School
The Health Center at Lincoln High School. Click to expand.
The Health Center was one of the first SBHC created in eastern Washington, back in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations.
Peninsula Community Health Services at Barker Creek Community School
Peninsula Community Health Services at Barker Creek Community School. Click to expand.
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient
Peninsula Community Health Services at Bremerton High School
Peninsula Community Health Services at Bremerton High School. Click to expand.
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient
Peace Health at Sedro-Woolley High School
Peace Health at Sedro-Woolley High School. Click to expand.
The Woolley Wellness Center at Sedro-Woolley High School offers convenient on-site medical services for students from Sedro-Woolley High School and State Street High School, as well as district staff.
Community Health Centers of Snohomish County at Meadowdale High School
Community Health Centers of Snohomish County at Meadowdale High School. Click to expand.
A student at Meadowdale High School was referred to our SBHC due to struggles with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder. Coming from a country where mental health awareness is limited, she faced dismissive responses from her parents when she tried to discuss her disordered eating. Thankfully, our SBHC medical provider, Jennifer, was able to meet with her privately, providing education on nutrition, tools to break the cycle of disordered eating, and supportive resources in a safe, confidential space. This student has since attended regular follow-up appointments, receiving ongoing support and guidance.
Lummi National Health Center at Lummi Nation School
Lummi National Health Center at Lummi Nation School. Click to expand.
Established in 2017, the Lummi Nation Health Center operates a school-based health center at Lummi Nation School. The clinic provides well child exams, sports physicals, illness and injury treatment, reproductive health care, dental care, mental health care, health education, and referrals. With support from the DOH SBHC grant, Lummi plans to hire a SBHC clinic coordinator to help with patient enrollment and outreach, as well as enroll in the Childhood Vaccine Program to improve student access to immunizations.
Clarkston School District
Clarkston School District. Click to expand.
Clarkston School District is committed to planning for and implementing a School Based Health Center at Clarkston High School to support all 9th – 12th grade students in the district who not only attend Clarkston High School but also Discovery Virtual, Educational Opportunity Center, and Open Doors. The SBHC will be another model demonstrating the strong collaboration the district already has with health care providers in the region to provide medical and mental health services for students.
Mini Grant Award: The Health Center for Walla Walla School District
Mini Grant Award: The Health Center for Walla Walla School District. Click to expand.
In partnership with and funding from DOH's SBHC Program, the Washington School-Based Health Alliance developed and launched an SBHC Mini-Grant Program to fund small projects in SBHCs in the 2022-2023 school year. Projects supported activities that promoted youth and family engagement, SBHC utilization, health education activities, and student-centered care in SBHCs.
Mini Grant Award: Public Health - Seattle and King County in Seattle Public Schools
Mini Grant Award: Public Health - Seattle and King County in Seattle Public Schools. Click to expand.
In partnership with and funding from DOH's SBHC Program, the Washington School-Based Health Alliance developed and launched an SBHC Mini-Grant Program to fund small projects in SBHCs in the 2022-2023 school year. Projects supported activities that promoted youth and family engagement, SBHC utilization, health education activities, and student-centered care in SBHCs.
Mini Grant Award: International Community Health Services
Mini Grant Award: International Community Health Services. Click to expand.
In partnership with and funding from DOH's SBHC Program, the Washington School-Based Health Alliance developed and launched an SBHC Mini-Grant Program to fund small projects in SBHCs in the 2022-2023 school year. Projects supported activities that promoted youth and family engagement, SBHC utilization, health education activities, and student-centered care in SBHCs.
Peer Support Services Grant: Medical Lake School District Wellness Center
Peer Support Services Grant: Medical Lake School District Wellness Center . Click to expand.
The Medical Lake School District Student and Community Services has enhanced the district Wellness Team by incorporating a Peer Specialist. This role is dedicated to delivering both direct and indirect education on Suicide and Substance Use Prevention to students, staff, families, and community members. Through community classes, student groups, individualized support, and staff involvement, the Peer Specialist fosters connections among individuals.
Peer Support Services Grant: Seattle Public Schools
Peer Support Services Grant: Seattle Public Schools. Click to expand.
Seattle Public Schools is excited to expand peer education and healthcare access for LGBTQIA+ students under the Peer Support Services grant. They look forward to offering gender-affirming supply lockers in each of our comprehensive high schools, and training LGBTQIA+ student leaders to steward the lockers and provide peer education about LGBTQIA+ student rights/mental health resources. They are partnering with School-Based Health Center staff, educators, and students in our high schools to identify needs, offer critical supplies, and ensure that our LGBTQIA+ students—who make up approximately 28% of their secondary student population—know where to go for support.
Peer Support Services Grant: Manson School District
Peer Support Services Grant: Manson School District. Click to expand.
Thanks to the generous support of the Department of Health, the Manson School District Counseling team (led by Zach Phelps, Kayla Helleson, and Jim Broome) is collaborating to expand peer support programming across the district. During the 2024-25 school year, Manson’s school counselors will spearhead the project to enhance the existing Hope Squad program (for Grades 6-12) by increasing awareness amongst students and staff regarding local mental health resources and launching a Junior Hope Squad for Grades 4 and 5. Hope Squad is a national, school-based program that helps prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness through peer-to-peer support. The Junior Hope Squad will focus on bullying prevention, self-care routines, and supporting struggling peers. Schools with Hope Squads see an increase in help-seeking behavior, positive school culture and community partnerships that support student mental wellness.
Grays Harbor County Public Health at North Beach School District
The North Beach School-Based Health Center officially opened in 2024 at North Beach Jr/Sr High School. We are currently offering medical services to all district students and staff regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. We are also collaborating with district staff to offer screenings and assessments for students with suspected autism spectrum disorder. Our goals include improving local access to quality care and decreasing school absenteeism in order to strengthen the overall health and wellbeing of the students.
Our logo, pictured above, was designed by Noah Knaak while he was a senior at North Beach High School. Learn more about the SBHC at North Beach Junior/Senior High School here: https://www.thedailyworld.com/news/health-center-for-students-staff-opens-at-north-beach-jr-sr-high/
Contacts: laura.galati@graysharbor.us , abachtell@graysharbor.us, ekrause@graysharbor.us
2022 Planning Grant Recipient, currently in the first year of SBHC operations
White Salmon Valley School District
The White Salmon Valley School District's Health and Wellness Center has entered its sixth year of providing services to the student population. This includes referrals for one-on-one counseling services, therapy groups, and as needed drop-in support. The Health and Wellness Center also partners with Klickitat County Health Department to provide health consultations; WAGAP to address basic needs such as food, shelter, energy assistance and more; and The Next Door, Inc.’s Youth Outreach Worker, Culture Seed, a non-profit providing a variety of supports for youth and independent therapists.
Lyle, Trout Lake, & Wishram School Districts
Collaborating with other school districts in western Klickitat County and The Next Door, Inc., the school-based health services project is supporting a Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) in three districts: Trout Lake, Lyle, and Wishram. The YOW will provide direct support to students and families as well as connect them to community-based services as needed.
Contact: Paul Lindberg, plindberg65@gmail.com
2022 Planning Grant Recipient, currently in start-up phase
Mount Baker School District, Healthy Baker SBHC
Mount Baker School District is excited to work with Sea Mar Community Health Centers to bring our vision of a school-based health center to reality. The Healthy Baker Advisory Committee conducted a thoughtful needs assessment, working with local social and medical services providers, parents, students, and school staff. The team was adaptive and overcame challenges around renovations, timeline, and communications to see the project to fruition.
The Clinic at Mount Baker High School operated by Sea Mar CHC is set to open its doors to students in October 2024.
Contact: healthybakersbhc@mtbaker.wednet.edu
2022 Planning Grant Recipient, currently in start-up phase
Sea Mar CHC at Tacoma Public Schools
Sea Mar Community Health Center, in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools, is currently in the process of implementing a School-Based Health Center in Lincoln High School in Tacoma, WA. This project is being led by Thaisy Kirkhart and April Olsen from Sea Mar Tacoma Medical Clinic. This will be one of two SBHCs Sea Mar CHC will be opening in 2024 and the third SBHC for the organization, with a fourth in the works! The clinic will provide primary care for the students of Tacoma Public Schools. Our goal is to bridge the gap between access and affordable health care for the students and staff in this community.
Contact: Clinic coordinator, thaisykirkhart@seamarchc.org
2022 Planning Grant Recipient, currently in start-up phase
Centering Health at Options High School at Bellingham School District
Bellingham Public Schools is planning for our first SBHC in partnership with students, staff, families and local health care and community organizations. In April 2024, we opened the first phase of the health center focused on basic needs support and mental health in partnership with Compass Health. The center now provides a quiet, light-filled space for support groups, a one-on-one counseling office, food pantry, and clothing closet. Recognizing our community’s collective commitment to Bellingham’s youth, we are in the final stages of confirming a partnership with a health care organization to provide medical services beginning January 2025.
2022 Planning Grant Recipient, currently in start-up phase
The Freedom Clinic
The Freedom Clinic is a partnership of the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom and the Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, a K-12 anti-racist school. The Freedom Clinic is a community-designed health center offering clinical care, health promotion programs, and introductions to health careers. By designing the Freedom Clinic from top to bottom, the school community has created a health care model that is by community, for community.
Contact: danisha@tubmanhealth.org
2022 Planning Grant Recipient, currently in the first year of SBHC operations
Family Health Center at Bridgeport School District
Family Health Centers is offering SBHC access in the Okanagan and Douglas counties, including the Bridgeport School District.
2022 & 2023 Start-Up Grant Recipient
Family Health Center at Brewster School District
Family Health Centers is offering SBHC access in the Okanagan and Douglas counties, including the Brewster School District.
2022 & 2023 Start-Up Grant Recipient
CHAS Health at Shiloh Hills Elementary School
The Shiloh Hills Elementary School SBHC opened in early 2023 and is the first SBHC for Mead School District.
CHAS Health comprehensive care services at the Shiloh SBHC help ensure students stay healthy and stay in school. The clinic provides well-child exams, counseling related to healthy living, routine immunizations, minor emergency care (e.g., cuts, scrapes, and minor illnesses), medication administration and prescriptions, and routine recommended childhood health screening including behavioral health screening and vision screening.
2022 Start-Up Grant Recipient, currently in the second year of operations
CHAS Health at North Central High School
The North Central High School SBHC opened in May 2024 and serves as an expansion of our SBHC services within Spokane Public School District.
CHAS Health comprehensive care services at the North Central High SBHC help ensure students stay healthy and stay in school. The clinic provides well-child exams, counseling related to healthy living, routine immunizations, minor emergency care (e.g., cuts, scrapes, and minor illnesses), medication administration and prescriptions, primary care and routine recommended childhood health screening including behavioral health screening and vision screening.
2024 Operations Grant Recipient
HealthPoint Thomas Jefferson Health Center
HealthPoint partnered with Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) to open an SBHC at Thomas Jefferson High School in December 2021. All middle school and high school aged students enrolled in the FWPS District are eligible to receive services at the Thomas Jefferson Health Center (TJHC) regardless of insurance status or ability to pay out of pocket. For the 2024-25 school year, the SBHC has two behavioral health providers on site to support scholars’ mental health, alongside the medical provider and clinic coordinator. From opening through August 2024, TJHC has conducted 1,974 visits.
The Student Health Ambassadors, an advisory group where student members partner with the SBHC staff to inform on current health topics affecting the student body and provide input on health center decisions, is entering its third year in 2024-25. HealthPoint exhibited at the Thomas Jefferson High School Melanin in Medicine for the second time in 2023. The event showcases various aspects of health professions and includes health employer recruiters. Students of BIPOC race/ethnicity are prioritized to attend this event.
During the 2024-25 school year, TJHC is working with HealthPoint Midway Health Center to launch a Health Scholars program , a year-long curriculum centered on providing exposure, opportunity and mentorship to high school students interested in a career in healthcare, who belong to underrepresented groups in health and medicine.
2022 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Port Townsend School-Based Health Center
Port Townsend High School opened its School-Based Health Center in 2008-2009 with volunteer and donations support from students and businesses in the community to prepare the clinic on a shoestring budget.
In the 2022-2023 school year, in response to student needs, Port Townsend added an additional day per week of both medical and mental health services. Our continuing grant funds provide mental health services on day per week.
The SBHC’s first Student Engagement and Health Equity Coordinator hosted numerous outreach events and convened an SBHC advisory committee to increase student interest and participation with the clinic. These activities resulted in a significant increase in SBHC participation numbers over the following school year.
2022 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Quilcene School Based Health Center
Quilcene School opened its SBHC in spring of 2021 after careful community input and planning, operated by Jefferson County Public Health. In the 2022-2023 school year, Jefferson County Public Health offered an additional day for mental health services in response to increased student need. Our continuing grant funds provide mental health services on day per week.
Image is a painting created by a Quilcene student and gifted to the Chimacum health clinic in appreciation of their work.
2022 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Chimacum School Based Health Center
The School-Based Health Center was opened at Chimacum Jr/Sr High School in 2008-2009 with support of students, staff and community. In response to students' increased need for greater access to mental health services, Jefferson County Public Health offered an additional day per week of mental health services for the 2022-2023 school year, thanks to funds from our Operations grant through DOH SBHC program. Our continuing grant funds provide mental health services one day/week.
2022 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Peninsula Community Health Services at North Mason School District
PCHS established their first SBHC in 2018 at North Mason School District. The SBHC serves three different schools on a consolidated campus.
In the 2022-2023 school year, PCHS expanded their SBHC hours to be open five days per week and better meet the needs of North Mason students, resulting in providing 44% more medical visits than the previous school year. PCHS also piloted a youth volunteer program to educate students on different healthcare careers. They look forward to expanding the program over the next school year.
2022 Operations Grant Recipient
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Lowell Elementary School
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Beacon Hill International School
At Beacon Hill International School, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic provides medical and mental and behavioral health care on site, with additional focus around parenting groups, community mental health workers and care coordination, offering a variety of resources, services and care to support the community. Services range from well child checks, vaccines, food security, mental health therapy, family support groups and free safety device distribution such as helmets and life jackets. This year, the WA State Dept. of Health operations grant will allow Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic to expand services to include the following:
- Free dental screenings, education and resources
- Increase in mental health therapy for students and families
2024 Operations Grant Recipient
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic at Garfield High School
At Garfield High School, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic provides medical, mental and behavioral healthcare, and nutrition services. Some specific areas of care include opioid overdose prevention, reproductive healthcare, community mental health support and care coordination, offering wraparound care for a variety of social, physical and emotional support, engaging students to advocate and thrive at school and in their communities. Services range from acute care, well child checks, vaccines, food security, mental health therapy, nutrition counseling, suicidality screenings and more. This year, the WA State Dept. of Health operations grant will allow Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic to expand services to include the following:
- Free dental screenings, education and resources
2024 Operations Grant Recipient
Seattle Roots at NOVA Wellness Center
Seattle Roots operates SBHCs at both Meany Middle School and Nova High School. Although the schools serve different populations, mental health needs at both schools are very high, and we recognized a lack of resource provision and connection. With funding from Washington's School Based Health Centers grant, an SBHC care coordinator was hired to support both clinics and to help locate and connect students and families to resources, especially those related to mental health.
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Seattle Roots at Meany Health Center
Seattle Roots operates SBHCs at both Meany Middle School and Nova High School. Although the schools serve different populations, mental health needs at both schools are very high, and we recognized a lack of resource provision and connection. With funding from Washington's School Based Health Centers grant, an SBHC care coordinator was hired to support both clinics and to help locate and connect students and families to resources, especially those related to mental health.
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Columbia Basin Health Association at Othello School District
Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) partnered with the Othello School District (OSD) Wahluke School District (WSD), Royal School District (RSD), and North Franklin School District (NFSD) to develop a "hybrid-telehealth" school-based health center (SBHC) model focusing on behavioral health. Now more than ever, we have witnessed firsthand that students are in need of extra support to combat thoughts of suicide, find a sense of belonging, beat anxiety and depression, and so much more. The intention of the SBHC is to focus on the "Whole Child Approach," while providing behavioral health services to students via a QR code or in person, frequently engaging with OSD staff to provide behavioral health professional development and promoting behavioral health awareness and reducing the associated stigma throughout the rural communities of Othello, Mattawa, Royal City, Connell, Mesa, and Basin City, Washington.
2022 & 2023 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient
The Health Center at Garrison Middle School
The Health Center was one of the first SBHCs created in eastern Washington in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations. In November 2023, the Health Center opened its Garrison clinic and expanded its services to an additional 500 students.
Email: Garrison@thehealthcenterww.org
2022 Behavioral Health and 2022 & 2024 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
The Health Center at Walla Walla High School
The Health Center was one of the first SBHCs created in eastern Washington, back in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations.
Contact: wahi@thehealthcenterww.org
2022 Behavioral Health and 2022 & 2024 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
The Health Center at Pioneer Middle School
The Health Center was one of the first SBHCs created in eastern Washington, back in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations.
Contact: Pioneer@thehealthcenterww.org
2022 Behavioral Health and 2022 & 2024 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
The Health Center at Lincoln High School
The Health Center was one of the first SBHC created in eastern Washington, back in 2009. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental and primary medical care to students enrolled in Walla Walla Public Schools through four clinic locations.
Contact: Lincoln@thehealthcenterww.org
2022 Behavioral Health and 2022 & 2024 Operations Grant Recipient, currently continuing operations
Peninsula Community Health Services at Barker Creek Community School
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient
Peninsula Community Health Services at Bremerton High School
2022 Behavioral Health Grant Recipient
Peace Health at Sedro-Woolley High School
The Woolley Wellness Center at Sedro-Woolley High School offers convenient on-site medical services for students from Sedro-Woolley High School and State Street High School, as well as district staff.
2024 Operations Grant Recipient
Community Health Centers of Snohomish County at Meadowdale High School
A student at Meadowdale High School was referred to our SBHC due to struggles with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder. Coming from a country where mental health awareness is limited, she faced dismissive responses from her parents when she tried to discuss her disordered eating. Thankfully, our SBHC medical provider, Jennifer, was able to meet with her privately, providing education on nutrition, tools to break the cycle of disordered eating, and supportive resources in a safe, confidential space. This student has since attended regular follow-up appointments, receiving ongoing support and guidance.
With the help of the DOH grant, which funds an in-house behavioral health therapist on campus, students like this can immediately access mental health support at our SBHC, eliminating barriers such as stigma, transportation, and lack of resources. By continuing to provide this vital service, we hope to make a lasting impact, empowering students to address mental health challenges early on and building a foundation for healthier, more resilient futures.
2024 Operations Grant Recipient
Lummi National Health Center at Lummi Nation School
Established in 2017, the Lummi Nation Health Center operates a school-based health center at Lummi Nation School. The clinic provides well child exams, sports physicals, illness and injury treatment, reproductive health care, dental care, mental health care, health education, and referrals. With support from the DOH SBHC grant, Lummi plans to hire a SBHC clinic coordinator to help with patient enrollment and outreach, as well as enroll in the Childhood Vaccine Program to improve student access to immunizations.
Contact: Dr. Komal Shah, komals@lummi-nsn.gov
2024 Operations Grant Recipient
Clarkston School District
Clarkston School District is committed to planning for and implementing a School Based Health Center at Clarkston High School to support all 9th – 12th grade students in the district who not only attend Clarkston High School but also Discovery Virtual, Educational Opportunity Center, and Open Doors. The SBHC will be another model demonstrating the strong collaboration the district already has with health care providers in the region to provide medical and mental health services for students.
In 2023, Clarkston High School created a student Wellness Center in the high school to provide a place for students to decompress when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. This safe space for students has been very successful so Clarkston School District wanted to provide more focused mental health and medical health services. They applied and received a SBHC planning grant from the Department of Health. The planning has focused on building relationships with providers within Asotin County as well as with the Nez Perce’s Nimiipuu Health Clinic. We are having conversations with students and families who are furthest from educational justice to be our “Guiding Voices” in how the SBHC can meet their specific needs and eliminate barriers to accessing health care.
Asotin County has been federally designated as a Medically Underserved Area and a Health Care Provider Shortage area. The planning grant has enabled the district and the community to come together to thoughtfully plan for a SBHC that will reduce health care inequities.
2024 Planning Grant Recipient
Mini Grant Award: The Health Center for Walla Walla School District
In partnership with and funding from DOH's SBHC Program, the Washington School-Based Health Alliance developed and launched an SBHC Mini-Grant Program to fund small projects in SBHCs in the 2022-2023 school year. Projects supported activities that promoted youth and family engagement, SBHC utilization, health education activities, and student-centered care in SBHCs.
The Health Center received one mini grant award from WA SBHA. The award served SBHCs in Walla Walla High School, Lincoln Alternative High school, and Pioneer Middle School in the Walla Walla School District.
Read the report at: Brief Mini-Grant Report 2023 (wasbha.org)
Mini Grant Award: Public Health - Seattle and King County in Seattle Public Schools
In partnership with and funding from DOH's SBHC Program, the Washington School-Based Health Alliance developed and launched an SBHC Mini-Grant Program to fund small projects in SBHCs in the 2022-2023 school year. Projects supported activities that promoted youth and family engagement, SBHC utilization, health education activities, and student-centered care in SBHCs.
Public Health - Seattle and King County received one mini grant award from WA SBHA. The award served SBHCs in Rainier Beach High School, Cleveland High School, Ingraham High School, and Denny Middle School, all in the Seattle School District.
Read the report at: Brief Mini-Grant Report 2023 (wasbha.org)
Mini Grant Award: International Community Health Services
In partnership with and funding from DOH's SBHC Program, the Washington School-Based Health Alliance developed and launched an SBHC Mini-Grant Program to fund small projects in SBHCs in the 2022-2023 school year. Projects supported activities that promoted youth and family engagement, SBHC utilization, health education activities, and student-centered care in SBHCs.
International Community Health Services received one mini grant award from WA SBHA. The award served SBHCs in Seattle World School in the Seattle School District, and Highland Middle School in the Bellevue School District.
Read the report at: Brief Mini-Grant Report 2023 (wasbha.org)
Peer Support Services Grant: Medical Lake School District Wellness Center
The Medical Lake School District Student and Community Services has enhanced the district Wellness Team by incorporating a Peer Specialist. This role is dedicated to delivering both direct and indirect education on Suicide and Substance Use Prevention to students, staff, families, and community members. Through community classes, student groups, individualized support, and staff involvement, the Peer Specialist fosters connections among individuals.
2024 Peer Support Services Grant Recipient
Peer Support Services Grant: Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools is excited to expand peer education and healthcare access for LGBTQIA+ students under the Peer Support Services grant. They look forward to offering gender-affirming supply lockers in each of our comprehensive high schools, and training LGBTQIA+ student leaders to steward the lockers and provide peer education about LGBTQIA+ student rights/mental health resources. They are partnering with School-Based Health Center staff, educators, and students in our high schools to identify needs, offer critical supplies, and ensure that our LGBTQIA+ students—who make up approximately 28% of their secondary student population—know where to go for support.
2024 Peer Support Services Grant Recipient
Peer Support Services Grant: Manson School District
Thanks to the generous support of the Department of Health, the Manson School District Counseling team (led by Zach Phelps, Kayla Helleson, and Jim Broome) is collaborating to expand peer support programming across the district. During the 2024-25 school year, Manson’s school counselors will spearhead the project to enhance the existing Hope Squad program (for Grades 6-12) by increasing awareness amongst students and staff regarding local mental health resources and launching a Junior Hope Squad for Grades 4 and 5. Hope Squad is a national, school-based program that helps prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness through peer-to-peer support. The Junior Hope Squad will focus on bullying prevention, self-care routines, and supporting struggling peers. Schools with Hope Squads see an increase in help-seeking behavior, positive school culture and community partnerships that support student mental wellness.
2024 Peer Support Services Grant Recipient
DOH SBHC Summary Statistics & Resources
The Department of Health awards state funds for planning, start-up, operations, and behavioral health improvement grants for SBHCs. The grant types are defined as:
· Planning Grants (up to $50,000) - to assess and develop partnerships and plan for a new SBHC
· Start-Up Grants (up to $250,000) - to set up space, staff, and systems for a new SBHC
· Operational Grants (up to $150,000) - to maintain, improve, or expand services at established SBHCs
· Behavioral Health Improvement Grants (up to $90,000) - to maintain, improve, or expand behavioral health services at established SBHCs
· Peer Support Grants (up to $65,000) – to provide support and funding for peer-to-peer support and spaces for youth with mental and behavioral health needs
Almost all SBHCs in Washington state provide access to medical and behavioral health care services. Each SBHC provides services that meet its unique community and student population needs. Services offered in SBHCs can include:
· Annual doctor visits
· Sports physicals
· Illness and injury
· Immunizations
· Behavioral health screening, intervention, and referrals
· Health insurance enrollment
· Dental care
· Support services and resources
In the 2023-2024 school year, DOH funded 15 organizations for start-up, operations, and behavioral health grants. Together, grantees served over 6,300 young people.
For more about SBHCs or adolescent health: