SBHC Reauthorization Act of 2019

On April 3rd 2019, Congress introduced HR 2075, a bipartisan bill that would amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize funding for the nation’s roughly 2,000 school-based health centers (SBHCs) that serve low-income communities.

In addition to Congressman Upton, the bill is currently co-sponsored by Congresswoman Dingell, Congresswoman Slotkin, Congresswoman Lawrence, Congressman Levin, Congresswoman Stevens, Congressman Bergman, Congressman Moolenar, and Senator Stabenow.

At SBHCs, students may receive treatments for acute illnesses, such as the flu, and chronic conditions, including asthma and diabetes, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which provides funding through its Health Center Program for roughly 20 percent of the country’s SBHCs.

The centers also provide students with screenings for dental, vision and hearing problems and focus on prevention, early intervention and risk reduction via counseling on healthy habits, as well as how to prevent injury, violence and other threats, according to HRSA.

“SBHCs serve an important role in underserved communities in Michigan and around the United States, offering primary care services as well as mental health services and dental care,” said Rep. Upton. “Just last month I met with students and staff at a school-based health center in my district and heard moving stories about the positive impact the center has had on their lives.”

Rep. Upton unveiled H.R. 2075 with lead bill sponsor U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) and cosponsor U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to reauthorize funding for SBHCs through 2024. The centers reach more than two million children and adolescents across America with more than 140 located in Rep. Upton’s home state of Michigan.

H.R. 2075 has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.