School-based health centers

PPACA authorizes the administration of the School-Based Health Center Capital Program. Through the program the federal Health Resources and Services Administration anticipates awarding $50 million in 2010 for about 1,000 equipment grants for school-based health centers. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $50,000 each. School-based health centers or their sponsors (hospitals, public health departments, community health centers, schools or school districts, etc.) are eligible to apply. The grant funding may be used to purchase moveable equipment, including telehealth equipment, hardware or servers to support systems for electronic health records, medical equipment, or office furniture. Grantees must serve a large population of children eligible for Medicaid or the state children's health insurance program (SCHIP).

Arkansas Implementation

Two centers were awarded federal grants in July 2011. The Gurdon School District received $495,885, and St. Francis House NWA, Inc. received a $500,000 grant.