Dodd Announces Funding Availability for School-Based Health Centers (CT)

October 6, 2010

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) announced today that, as a result of the new health care reform law, $100 million in federal funding will be made available to states for the construction and renovation of school-based health centers.

“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Connecticut’s youth will have access to preventive services and quality health care right at their schools,” said Dodd. “This funding is an investment in our nation’s youth, enabling children with acute or chronic illnesses to attend school and improving the overall health and wellness of all children through health screenings and disease prevention activities.”

Dodd, a long-time champion of school-based health centers, played a key role in writing and passing The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and worked closely with Senate leaders to ensure that funding for school-based health centers was included in the final passage of bill.

This funding, available through the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, will help school-based health centers establish new sites, upgrade current facilities, or purchase equipment. The Health Resources and Services Administration expects to award an estimated 200 school-based health center grants in FY 2011.