The Network’s policy activities advance access to quality health care for children and youth!

Engaging Policymakers

The Network is committed to educating and engaging local, state and federal decision makers on the importance of providing school-based health care and related issues. Each session we bring youth and adult advocates to Salem to meet with policymakers and rally for support. View photos of our advocacy activities and other events in our Gallery.

Success in the 2009 Legislative Session

Wins for Our Policy Agenda:
•    Since 2001, the Network has successfully advocated to increase state SBHC funding by $3.8 million, including $1.38 million in the 2009 budget, keeping existing centers open and growing the number of centers available to kids in Oregon
•    Ensured that SBHCs are eligible to apply for a grant program to provide health care to vulnerable children, allowing centers to continue to see children regardless of their insurance or immigration status
•    Worked with advocates to provide insurance to an additional 80,000 children and 35,000 adults in Oregon
•    Participated in a health care reform collaboration, which resulted in passage of legislation to reduce costs and improve health outcomes through prevention and wellness and by reimbursing providers differently
•    Collaborated with state and local health officials to review and change the state’s funding formula to make SBHC funding more equitable. (See the history of SBHC funding.)
•    United 100 advocates at the capitol on SBHC Day, including nearly 80 youth, to meet with legislators and tell their story about the needs in their community for quality, affordable health care
•    Collaborated with the Oregon School Nurses Association to brief legislators on the differences between School Nurses and SBHCs and to pass legislation to reduce the nurse to student ratio in schools
 

Supporting the Safety Net

Safety Net clinics are community-based providers who offer health services to low-income people, including those without insurance or with other barriers to health care access. School-based health centers are recognized as part of Oregon's Safety Net by providing quality health care and overcoming barriers to medical home access. The Network supports ongoing efforts to provide funding sources for the entire safety net system. Jackie Rose, a Network Board member, sits on the state's Safety Net Advisory Council.

For more information and resources on how you can advocate for SBHCs, visit our Awareness page.