SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon School-Based Health Alliance (OSBHA) is hoping the third time’s a charm.
On Wednesday, more than 150 high school students will gather at the State Capitol to advocate for the School Health Crisis Response Act (HB 2729). They will meet with legislators and make their voices heard in support of expanded resources for school-based health centers and student mental health programs.
The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by State Representatives Hai Pham, Pam Marsh, and Courtney Neron, as well as State Senator Lisa Reynolds, along with several community-based organizations. HB 2729 would allocate critical funding to school-based health services and mental health programs for districts across the state.
The day will include a Youth Advocacy Summit and opportunities for students to meet with state senators and representatives.
“This day is critical for a number of reasons,” said Maureen Hinman, OSBHA executive director. “We are providing a platform for students from across the state to use their voices and elevate the issues that matter most to them. It’s essential that they know their needs matter, their government hears them, and they can influence legislation that impacts their lives.”
HB 2729 aims to strengthen Oregon’s ability to support student mental health by:
- Providing behavioral health grants to school communities without drawing from the State School Fund.
- Awarding five planning grants to develop new school-based health center and school nurse models to serve thousands of students, without affecting the State School Fund.
- Increasing funding for school-based health center operations, adjusting for inflation after more than a decade of stagnant grant levels.
For more information on HB 2729, visit the Oregon Legislative Information System. To find out more about the Oregon School-Based Health Alliance, visit osbha.org.
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Founded in 2006, the mission of the Oregon School-Based Health Alliance is to “center youth through the expansion of school health services that shatter health and education disparities, honor youth identities and voices, and prioritize their wellness and joy”. Guided by youth partnerships, they advocate and provide implementation support for the policy changes a
