The Power of School-Based Mental Health: Alameda’s FQHC Partnerships

Patrick Sherman, a seasoned school-based therapist with over 12 years of experience, introduces the peer learning session on federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Drawing from his background in Sacramento’s school-based mental health and wellness programs, he highlights the transformative impact of embedding mental health services directly in schools. Patrick frames the spotlight on Alameda County’s long-standing partnerships with FQHCs and behavioral health organizations, which have created 28 school health centers since 1989, demonstrating how community-centered models can drive lasting improvements in student and community wellness.

Building Healthy Schools and Communities in Alameda County

Kate Graves, representing Alameda County’s Healthy Schools and Communities division, shares how the county integrates health services directly into the education system. With partnerships spanning 19 school districts and collaborations with Federally Qualified Health Centers, her team focuses on youth wellness, family engagement, and systems-building strategies that place children and families at the center. Guided by a strong health equity lens, Kate highlights how Alameda County has braided resources and built school health centers for over a decade, demonstrating that healthy students learn better and that cross-sector collaboration is essential to reducing inequities and fostering thriving communities.

Inside Alameda’s School Health Center Model: Services, Funding & Impact

Kale Jenks outlines Alameda County’s school health center model—fully equipped clinics on or near campuses that deliver medical, dental, behavioral health, health education, and youth development services. He traces the growth from six sites in the 1990s to 28 centers today across eight districts, coordinated through 10 lead agencies (FQHCs and behavioral health CBOs). Jenks highlights countywide evaluation with UCSF, blended financing (third-party billing plus Measure A, Tobacco Master Settlement funds, and OUSD support), and how reforms like CalAIM and CYBHI open new opportunities such as Enhanced Care Management and Certified Wellness Coaches.

Sustaining and Expanding School Health

Centers: Funding, Partnerships, and Equity

In this Q&A discussion, Kate Graves and Kale Jenks address the challenges of sustaining Alameda County’s 28 school health centers amid shifting funding landscapes. They highlight strategies such as blending and braiding resources, leveraging county tax measures, applying for sustainability and ACEs grants, and expanding partnerships with CBOs, FQHCs, and the Alameda County Office of Education. The session also explores integration of wellness centers, crisis response innovation, and how school-based health centers serve as safe, equitable access points for more than 35,000 students across eight districts.