Our Work: Building Capacity, Connection, and Impact
The School-Based Health Alliance of Arkansas (SBHAAR) is dedicated to strengthening school-based health centers (SBHCs) through statewide collaboration, technical assistance, and professional development. Our work empowers schools and healthcare partners to create sustainable, high-quality health programs that meet the needs of Arkansas students and families.
Mentorship and Coaching
SBHAAR’s mentoring and coaching initiatives help schools move from readiness to long-term success. Through structured learning collaboratives, data-informed coaching, and peer mentorship, participants receive practical tools and guidance to enhance their programs.
Our School-Based Oral Health (SBOH) Program, now in its second year, exemplifies this approach. SBHAAR provides individualized coaching and evaluation support for teams integrating oral health into their existing services. This program has built leadership capacity across Arkansas, helping schools implement evidence-based practices that improve student outcomes.
SBHAAR also offers ongoing mentorship for SBHC coordinators, focusing on leadership, operations, and sustainability. Through our coaching framework, coordinators receive targeted support to address real-world challenges, strengthen clinic efficiency, and foster school–community partnerships.
Training and Professional Learning
Each year, SBHAAR hosts learning opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of the SBHC field.
- The Spring Symposium brings together SBHC coordinators, providers, and community partners for hands-on workshops and peer exchange focused on best practices and innovation.
- Webinars and workshops throughout the year address topics such as quality improvement, data collection, and policy updates.
Comprehensive Support for SBHCs
While oral health remains a strong focus, SBHAAR’s mission extends across the full spectrum of school-based care. Our initiatives address behavioral health, chronic disease management, preventive services, and health equity. We help schools establish and sustain programs that are responsive to community needs, culturally relevant, and financially viable.
A Trusted Statewide Partner
As the statewide affiliate of the National School-Based Health Alliance, SBHAAR connects Arkansas’s schools and providers with national expertise, policy guidance, and peer networks. We serve as a trusted convener, bridging education and healthcare to strengthen access, improve outcomes, and support the next generation of healthy learners.
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