Rural Health Transformation School-Based Health Center Grant Program

The Rural Health Transformation School-Based Health Center Competitive Solicitation (RT27) is administered by the Ohio Department of Health through its Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health. This funding opportunity is designed to expand access to comprehensive healthcare services for youth by supporting the development, expansion, and sustainability of School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) across eligible rural counties in Ohio. These centers are intended to provide integrated services including medical, mental health, dental, and vision care directly within or adjacent to school environments, thereby improving access while minimizing disruptions to student learning time. The primary purpose of this solicitation is to increase the number and capacity of SBHCs in rural and underserved communities. The program supports three core project types: planning for new SBHCs where none currently exist, start-up funding to launch new centers, and sustainability or expansion funding for existing sites. Additional optional funding opportunities include renovation support, participation in psychiatric consultation programs, and a supplemental technical assistance award for a qualified organization. The initiative aligns with broader public health goals of reducing disparities, improving student health outcomes, and addressing social determinants of health. Funding is provided on a deliverable-based reimbursement structure, meaning recipients must meet defined milestones to receive payment. Allowable uses of funds include staffing, training, community engagement, equipment, minor renovations, data collection, and operational support. However, funds may not be used for new construction, lobbying, political activities, or duplicative clinical services already reimbursable through insurance. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent of the total award. Applicants must demonstrate that proposed activities directly support program objectives and comply with federal and state cost principles. Eligible applicants include local public agencies and nonprofit healthcare organizations capable of delivering comprehensive primary care services to youth. Applicants must also demonstrate operational capacity, including the ability to manage funds, bill third-party payers, and maintain required partnerships with school districts. Applications must include multiple components such as a project narrative, budget justification, civil rights compliance documentation, and evidence of coordination with local health districts. Letters of support and formal agreements with school partners are required for certain project types. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Ohio Department of Health’s Grants Management Information System (GMIS). All materials, including attachments, must be received by 4:00 p.m. on July 20, 2026. A bidder’s conference is scheduled prior to the deadline to provide guidance and answer applicant questions. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Submission of an application constitutes agreement to all administrative policies and procedures governing the program. Applications will be evaluated based on clarity, completeness, responsiveness to program goals, and the feasibility of achieving stated objectives. Review criteria emphasize the use of measurable outcomes, alignment with health disparity reduction strategies, and cost-effectiveness. Successful applicants will receive a formal Notice of Award and must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including monthly or quarterly program and expenditure reports submitted through GMIS. The program period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028. Funding is contingent upon the availability of federal funds, and recipients must be prepared to cover initial costs prior to reimbursement. While this solicitation is specific to the stated fiscal cycle, it is part of a broader Rural Health Transformation initiative, indicating the potential for future funding rounds aligned with similar program goals.

Ensure strong alignment with health disparity reduction strategies; use clear SMART objectives; demonstrate feasibility and measurable outcomes; include strong school and community partnerships; provide detailed and justified budget