SCHOOL- COMMUNITY HEALTH ALLIANCE OF MICHIGAN

School-based health centers bring health care services to children where they're at, in school! It just makes sense. These centers and programs provide quality health care services on or near school property that help students be healthy and succeed in school. They are focused on the prevention, early identification and treatment of medical and behavioral concerns that can interfere with a student's learning.

The School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan (SCHA-MI) is a collaboration of individuals and organizations that represent and support school-based and school-linked health care and through their actions, commitment and passion support the belief that all Michigan children and youth have a basic fundamental right to access and receive comprehensive primary health care and prevention services.

Our mission is:

• To advocate for and promote school-based and school-linked health and prevention services;


• To educate the community, educational, social, and political leadership about the health needs of children and youth;


• To engage broad-based community and legislative support;


• To provide a forum for professional and agency support, education, training, resource development and networking for members; and


• To enhance and strengthen partnerships.

Michigan's school-based and school-linked health centers have been delivering comprehensive health care and a wide range of support services for 20 years. Today, there are over 90 school-based and school-linked health centers and programs in the state of Michigan delivering a range of primary, preventive, and early intervention services to nearly 200,000 children yearly of all grade levels in urban, rural, suburban schools across the state. These centers and programs have emerged as a powerful tool and safety net in meeting the health care needs of children and adolescents.