Today, Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Charitable Foundation announced a $1 million donation to Georgia Primary Care Association to expand operations of Georgia school-based health centers (SBHC).

"Peach State Health Plan is committed to providing all Georgians with access to affordable healthcare all across the state," said Wade Rakes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peach State Health Plan. "School-based health centers in Georgia provide critical health care needs to underserved families who struggle to find access to quality, affordable healthcare for their children. This new partnership, along with the state's investments in Georgia's SBHC infrastructure will strengthen the capabilities and services these centers have available for Georgia's children and their families." 

In August 2022, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced a $125 million allocation of funds to supercharge the infrastructure of Georgia's school-based health centers with a heavy focus on Title I schools in underserved and rural communities.

SBHCs provide a wide array of services with a focus on prevention and early detection of many treatable health conditions. These services allow students and their families to be treated for acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and injuries. Of the nearly 2,200 public schools in Georgia, only 114 have a health center on campus.

"The Georgia Primary Care Association could not be more grateful for the donation made by Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Charitable Foundation to help us expand the capabilities of our School-Based Health Centers," said Duane Kavka, Executive Director of Georgia Primary Care Association. "Over the coming months, we will begin working with our member FQHC organizations and community leaders to determine which areas of the state are in most need of enhanced services. We are excited to get this project up and running."

Ongoing shortages of school nurses and limited community services provided to students outside of school has created an urgency for accessible, quality healthcare in schools. Through this new partnership, the Georgia Primary Care Association will accelerate the creation of new school-based healthcare centers and expand services offered at existing SBHCs.