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Save the Date: Join us for Advocacy Day 2019!

​OSBHA's next School Health Advocacy Day is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2019.

School Health Advocacy Day is the only youth-driven advocacy event that supports school-based health services in Oregon. This annual event provides an opportunity for youth from across Oregon to visit the Capitol, meet their legislators, and advocate for the importance of school-based health services in their communities. Our 2018 Advocacy Day resulted in the legislature authorizing a nearly $1 million increase in school mental health funding.

We hope you will join us at the Capitol on February 28! More details to follow. Save the date and please contact OSBHA Program Manager Ashley McAllister at ashley@osbha.org with any questions. Photo from Multnomah County Health Department, Advocacy Day 2018.

Welcome to our Newest Staff Member

​OSBHA is pleased to welcome Antonia Rangel-Caril to our team. As our new Program & Advocacy Coordinator, Antonia supports youth engagement through our Student Health Advocate group, Statewide Youth Action Council, and additional youth-centered programming.

What brings you to this work?
I have always had an interest in health issues, particularly stigmatized health issues, accessible health care, and education. I have seen how lack of health care can really wreak havoc on someone’s body and how it leads to greater health issues down the road. Growing up, I wanted to help re-shape and create systems that allow everyone to access health services while maintaining an environment where all people feel safe and welcomed. I recently discovered my passion for empowering and supporting youth in leadership roles through my work as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I am ecstatic to be able to put my love for health care and youth advocacy together in my new role as Program and Advocacy Coordinator with OSBHA.

What excites you most about the work you're doing at OSBHA?
I am really excited to work with the youth and helping them advocate for health services that are important to them. I think it’s important to amplify their voice while giving them the tools to make the changes needed to better serve their community as young people.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to advance health equity?
If I had a super power it would be teleporting, mostly because I like traveling and this would make that easier to do. If I use it to advance equity, I would get people to the places they need to be. This could be someone needing to go to the doctor’s when they don’t have the resources to get to there. It could be helping a group of youth get to a training or speaking opportunity that will help them become leaders in their community. Or just a doctor needing to get to their patient quickly. In my experiences, having a lack of resources makes getting to the doctor difficult.

Tell us about one of your favorite hobbies!
In my free time you can find me dancing. I have been a Zumba instructor since 2014 and it’s one of my weekly self-care rituals. As much as I enjoy my playlist, I love how music and dancing can connect people from all different backgrounds and bring joy. I also dance Latinx partner dances, such as Bachata, Salsa, Cumbia. I am even on a performing dance team! I can and will dance to any music that gets me moving.

We're so excited to have Antonia on the OSBHA team! You can contact Antonia at antonia@osbha.org.

Join our Board of Directors

Are you passionate about strengthening school-based health services and systems that promote the health and academic success of young people? We are currently recruiting for new board members!

Currently in our 12th year, OSBHA has begun to deepen our racial equity work and realign our organizational strategies to strengthen our equity and inclusion initiatives. In this vein, we are currently recruiting to build a board that more closely reflects the communities we serve.

Applications are due by September 21. Click here to find out more and apply online.


 

Upcoming SBHC Membership Dues

Oregon SBHCS: Watch your email for your annual membership dues invoice. And big thanks to Multnomah County for paying early!

Did you know that you don't have to be a school-based health center to join us as a Wellness Partner? OSBHA Wellness Partners provide vital support that allows us to continue to advocate for school-based health funding, expand school mental health services, and to bridge health and education sectors to better meet the needs of youth. Become an OSBHA Wellness Sponsor or make an individual donation today.

Thank you to CareOregon for their generous support as a Wellness Partner.
 

​OSBHA Moved to a New Office

We moved to a new location in Portland. Please update your address books and we hope you'll stop by our new office soon:

Oregon School-Based Health Alliance
911 NE Davis Street
Portland, OR 97232