With policy propelling us, the possibilities are abundant. 

If it’s related to policy around student health, we are involved. Through policy-work, we can support the development and sustainability of the structures we need to have stronger schools across Oregon.

Guided by our youth partnerships, we advocate for the policy changes, planning grants, capital construction and infrastructure necessary to help every community have a school that best serves its residents’ needs.

Help us propel policy!

Please advocate alongside us for the following initiatives:

House Bill 2729: Supporting School-Based Mental Health

House Bill 2729 is a pivotal step toward enhancing mental health support in our schools. The bill aims to expand mental health services by providing grants to develop and improve school-based mental health and substance use programs.

House Bill 3169: Providing a Strong Foundation for School Health

House Bill 3169 is a bill OSBHA supports as it addresses the need for an inflationary increase to the base amount school-based health centers are awarded every year. From $60,000, SBHCs will receive $70,000 ($10,000 increase per SBHC per year).

Why It Matters

School-based health services are functioning with the same supports when life has changed the past few years. Oregon is ranked last in mental health services, and Oregon students are facing unprecedented mental health challenges in their day to day lives. HB 2729 aligns with Governor Tina Kotek’s Budget Priorities this session. SBHCs are asked to provide more care with the same funding and have not received a funding increase in over a decade. HB 2729 addresses these issues by investing in the infrastructure and services necessary to support student well being. HB 3169 calls to attention the need for school-based health centers to be given the raise they deserve to keep being resources in their communities. By enhancing all schools, we can provide timely, accessible care that empowers students to thrive both academically and personally.

Join the Movement

Your voice is powerful! Here's how you can support HB 2729 and HB 3169:

Past Wins

At OSBHA, we're proud of our history of advocating for policies that enhance the health and well being of Oregon students. Our collaborative efforts with youth, educators, and policymakers have led to significant advancements in school-based health services

Launching Trauma-Informed School Pilots

In 2016, OSBHA played a pivotal role in initiating trauma-informed school pilots in Oregon. This initiative aimed to reduce absenteeism by funding a pilot program that integrated trauma-informed approaches into school environments. The program provided professional development for school staff, reviewed and modified school policies to be trauma-informed, and coordinated services for students within schools and with community partners. Tigard High School and Central High School were selected as the initial pilot schools.

Securing Funding for School-Based Health Centers

In 2021, OSBHA celebrated the passage of HB 2591, which provided funding to support school-based health centers across Oregon. This legislation aimed to ensure the sustainability and expansion of SBHCs, recognizing their critical role in delivering accessible health care to students.

Advocating for HB 4070

In 2024, OSBHA urged support for HB 4070, emphasizing the need for continued investment in school-based health funding. This advocacy emphasized the organization's commitment to securing resources necessary for the operation and expansion of SBHCs.

Endorse our 2025 Legislative Agenda:

The Oregon School-Based Health Alliance is looking for endorsements for our 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda. Find more information here, or submit your endorsement below.

How to Find Your Legislator

  • Go to www.oregonlegislature.gov

  • In the bottom right corner, enter your full home address

  • This will take you to a new page with a map shown on the right

  • On the left side you see your elected state representatives, state senators, and congressional representatives

  • By clicking on the magnifying glass in the bottom right of each elected official’s info box, you can see their respective districts

  • Their email/website is also available so you can contact them!