School-Based Health Center Community Advisory Board

DOH’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Program works to expand and sustain SBHCs throughout the state and manage SBHC grants, with a priority for funding and programs in communities that have received limited health care opportunities or have not been served due to past policy decisions. We are working to implement this law in ways that center equity, access, and inclusion. And we need guidance from community members to make sure this program and supported services are equitable, accessible, relevant, and responsive to community needs.

The SBHC Community Advisory Board (CAB) provides guidance to make sure the SBHC program and services are equitable, accessible, relevant, and responsive to community needs. CAB currently consists of about 15 members, including young people, parents or guardians, school staff, health care providers, and interested community members. 

About the CAB

What are school-based health centers (SBHCs)?

Washington State law RCW 43.70.825 directs the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to create a School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Program. The law defines an SBHC as “a collaboration between the community, the school, and a sponsoring [healthcare] agency that operates the school-based health center, which is a student-focused health center located in or adjacent to a school that provides integrated medical, behavioral health, and other health care services such as dental care.” The healthcare sponsor can be a community clinic, hospital, healthcare system, public health department, or tribal health clinic or program.

Washington State’s first SBHC program began in Seattle in 1989. Today, there are over 70 SBHCs by more than 25 health care sponsors throughout the state. You can find more information on SBHCs on the Washington School-Based Health Alliance website.

What does CAB do?

Established in 2023, CAB meets monthly to share thoughts, ideas, and recommendations for school-based health care and access to health care for young people in Washington state. In its first year, CAB learned about school-based health models, made recommendations for community engagement and outreach from DOH, and provided feedback on draft SBHC grant requirements.

In 2024, the CAB will meet virtually on the second Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 2 PM PST. Their work helps the SBHC program make sure funding and activities are relevant and serve Washington’s young people. CAB members can receive compensation ($50 per hour, up to $600 per calendar year) for their participation if they are not already being paid to participate (such as from an employer). 

What are CAB member expectations?

CAB members will:

• Attend the first meeting and at least 80% of meetings in 2024.
• Communicate with DOH staff and meeting facilitators if unable to participate in a meeting or activity.
• Bring an equity and community-centered mindset.
• Be open and willing to discuss topics proposed by DOH staff and meeting facilitators.
• Share thoughts, opinions, advice, and make recommendations on strategies to improve health care access for young people in our state.
• Serve as a champion for SBHCs.
• Help us create a safe, open, and inclusive space that welcomes thoughts and opinions of people from different backgrounds and identities.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect by not sharing about any details outside of the meeting space.
• Let us know if you can’t participate in the CAB anymore or if you are facing barriers or issues.