
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.

Current Win: 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.
We’re excited to share a major win for youth health in Oregon! The Legislature has approved a $7 million increase in General Fund dollars to support school and community-based primary prevention efforts. This meaningful investment reflects the power of sustained advocacy, cross-sector collaboration, and a recognition of the urgent need for youth behavioral health supports.
Of the total:
$6 million will go to School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) to expand access to mental health care, substance use disorder screenings, and prevention services directly in schools.
$1 million will support culturally responsive youth suicide prevention—a crucial step toward equity in behavioral health care.
As a long-standing convener and advocate for Oregon’s SBHCs, OSBHA is honored to support and help lead this grassroots movement alongside youth, families, providers, and school partners across the state. While we’ve helped coordinate the voices and strategies behind this year’s efforts, this win truly belongs to the many hands and hearts who have been part of the fight for years.
We are especially grateful to Representative Hai Pham and his staff for championing this funding, and to the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s Office for prioritizing youth behavioral health. The data collected by the Oregon SBHC State Program Office continues to show what we already know: SBHCs are having a profound impact, improving access to care, reducing disparities, and supporting not only students, but the educators and school staff who work every day to help young people succeed.
We know the work isn’t done, we must continue the fight to protect Medicaid services, but today, we celebrate. Thank you for standing with us. This investment is a testament to what’s possible when communities come together to prioritize young people.

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
Since 2014, we’ve more than doubled the number of school-based health centers (SBHCs) — from 41 to 88 (and helped schools secure the funding and partnerships necessary to make them successful). We've ensured that SBHCs are defined in statute, that there are certification standards that continue the work, and that Coordinated Care Organizations work with SBHCs in their region. In 2019, we partnered with the Oregon School Nurses Association to pass a bill which led to a program called School Health Improvement and Nursing Enhancement: SHINE For Student Health. That same bill created a school-linked telehealth and mobile health pilot program.
Creating a Community Schools Movement in Oregon
OSBHA’s Community Schools Rising initiative creates statewide infrastructure that supports school communities in Oregon in their transformation into Full Service Community Schools. OSBHA acts as the backbone organization supporting a statewide community school coalition/network connecting those doing the work on the ground, as well as a steering committee working towards state level policy initiatives, communications, and tools to support people at the community level.
Endorse our Legislative Agenda:
The Oregon School-Based Health Alliance has closed endorsements for our 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda. Check back later for when endorsements will open again.

How to Find Your Legislator
In the bottom right corner, enter your full home, school, work 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!