North Carolina School Health Center Program

The North Carolina School Health Center Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child and Family Well-Being, through the Whole Child Health Section. The program is designed to expand access to primary and preventive health services for adolescents and older children ages 10 to 19. The initiative responds to documented health disparities, including uninsured youth, poverty, and limited access to care, particularly in underserved communities. The program emphasizes early intervention, coordinated care, and improved health outcomes that contribute to academic success and long-term well-being. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support School Health Centers that provide comprehensive medical, behavioral, and preventive services either directly or through referrals. These centers are typically located in or near schools and collaborate with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Services include acute and chronic care, mental health counseling, wellness visits, immunizations, and nutrition support. The program aims to reduce barriers such as transportation, cost, and lack of awareness by bringing services closer to students. Funding is provided through state appropriations, with total program funding of 1377664 dollars for the first year. Funds may be used for personnel, supplies, equipment, contractual services, travel, and operational costs. Certain expenditures, such as equipment above 2500 dollars, require prior approval. Indirect costs are permitted based on federally negotiated rates or a de minimis rate. Matching funds are not required under this opportunity. Reimbursement is based on actual expenditures and must be requested monthly. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit organizations and for profit entities such as hospitals, local health departments, and federally qualified health centers. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage and operate a school health center, including providing medical oversight, maintaining compliance with regulations, and coordinating with community partners. Applicants must also establish advisory boards and demonstrate sustainability over the program period. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal including organizational background, needs assessment, program plan, budget, and supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted electronically and signed by an authorized representative. Evaluation is based on completeness, organizational capacity, program design, and alignment with program goals. A multidisciplinary review committee assesses applications and determines funding allocations. Key dates include the release of the request for applications on November 22, 2024, questions due December 6, 2024, and applications due December 20, 2024. Awards are anticipated to be announced by February 6, 2025. The initial performance period runs from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, with up to two optional one year extensions based on funding availability and performance. Applicants must submit materials via email to the designated program contact. The program includes ongoing reporting requirements, including monthly reimbursement submissions and periodic performance reporting. The initiative is expected to recur annually based on continued state funding and program success, supporting sustained access to school based health services across North Carolina.

Ensure strong documentation of community need capacity and sustainability and align proposal clearly with evaluation criteria