An article featured last month in the Washington Post, highlights the impact telemedicine has had on schools in Howard County. Telemedicine programs in the following Howard County elementary schools are considered a nontraditional school-based health center: Phelps Luck, Bryant Wood, Running Brook, Stevens Forest, Talbott Springs, and Ducketts Lane Elementary Schools. The program has allowed for quicker diagnosis, given providers the opportunity to prescribe medicine on the spot, and have allowed children return to class almost immediately, given their conditions are not contiguous or require additional follow up.

- The Washington Post

MASBHC has been following the progress of the telemedicine program in Howard County and is excited to see it getting the coverage it deserves.

For the article in its entirety please click here.

2016-17 Census of SBHCs: 

Announcing Our NEW, SHORTER Census!
Thursday, March 16, 2:00pm ET

Register here! 

O nce every three years, the School-Based Health Alliance conducts a national census to collect valuable information on the school-based health care field. This Spring, the Alliance will launch the 2016-17 Census of SBHCs and we have exciting news to share. The Census will be DRAMATICALLY shorter and easier to complete with our new data collection platform. Our aim is to turn the data around faster to the field - but we can't do this without you!  It is critical that all SBHCs participate so that we have accurate data on our growth, services provided, and funding sources.  Join us to learn how to prepare for the Census and help us reach the highest completion in the shortest amount of time! 

Presenters:

• Hayley Love, Director of Research and Evaluation, School-Based Health Alliance, Washington, DC
• Nirmita Panchal, Research and Evaluation Manager, School-Based Health Alliance, Washington, DC

Game On Grants

 

These grants provide funding for physical activity and nutrition initiatives that support schools in becoming nationally recognized as health-promoting. K-12 schools in all states are eligible to apply. Newly funded schools will be eligible for a $1,000 grant. 

Provide funding for physical activity and nutrition initiatives such as:

• Physical education and recess equipment
• Classroom physical activity and movement breaks
• Gymnasium and playground space refurbishing
• Fitness assessments and testing
• Walk and bike to school initiatives
• School gardens
• Healthy taste tests
• Nutrition education
• Cooking classes 

Parents for Healthy Kids grants are available that focus on implementing Game On. Programs with a parent engagement component will be given priority, and parent-led groups are encouraged to apply (e.g. PTAs, PTOs and school wellness teams with parent members).  Select Game On grants on our school grants portal and complete the parent-specific questions to get priority points. Schools must be within a 10-15 radius of an Aldi Store to qualify.

• Provide $1000 in funding. Multiple schools in a district can apply.
• You can learn more about which physical activity and nutrition initiative projects are typically funded HERE
• Watch the recorded webinar to learn more about 2017-2018 Game On grant opportunities and receive tips for applying.
• For more information, go to 2017-2018 School Grants for Healthy Kids
• Applications must be submitted through the School Health Portal. 

Breakfast Grants

Up to 500 schools will receive grant awards ranging from $500 to $3,000 to support increased breakfast participation.  Eligible schools may apply to pilot or expand their School Breakfast Programs, including alternative and/or universal (breakfast at no cost) programming.  Funding available to:

• Schools will receive grant awards ranging from $500 to $3,000 to support increased breakfast participation. 
• Eligible schools may apply to pilot or expand their School Breakfast Programs, including alternative and/or universal (breakfast at no cost) programming. 
• Start up or implementation grants available for equipment needs, up to $3,000.
• Schools already implementing alternative models and breakfast at no charge can apply for a grant ($500 or $1000) for marketing, additional equipment and/or family engagement.  Funding will be based on current breakfast participation.
• Schools can take this Eligibility Survey to find out for which grant amount your school will be eligible.  This 2-minute survey will help guide you in the application process.
• Watch our archived webinar to learn more and visit our website for detailed instructions.
• Applications are due Friday, April 7th.