University at Buffalo Launches $3.59 Million Fellowship Program to Address Rural Mental health Crisis
BUFFALO,N.Y.— The University at Buffalo (UB) is taking a bold step to address the growing mental health crisis in rural communities. With a $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, UB’s School of Social work is launching the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) fellowship program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bringing mental health professionals directly into rural schools.
The program, set to begin in Fall 2025, will train graduate-level social work students to provide critical mental health services in underserved areas. These students will gain hands-on experience while addressing the pressing needs of rural communities, where access to mental health care is frequently enough limited.
The Rural Mental Health Crisis
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Rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to mental health care. According to Dr. Katie Stalker, UB’s Field Education Director, “Research shows that students in rural schools often report higher rates of depression and feelings of isolation compared to their urban counterparts.” This disparity is exacerbated by a lack of resources and professionals in these areas, leaving many families without the support they desperately need.
The MHSP fellowship program aims to bridge this gap by partnering with Erie 1 BOCES and focusing on four rural school districts: Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield. These districts will serve as training grounds for UB’s social work students, who will work alongside local mental health professionals to provide counseling and support to students and their families.
A Game-Changer for Rural Schools
Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Daniel Ljiljanich hailed the partnership as a “game changer” for his district.”We know it’s very difficult these days to find people in that field,” he saeid. “We’re excited that our mental health professionals are going to be able to help work and train these graduate-level social worker students.”
Ljiljanich emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing mental health needs. ”As a district, we’ve been able to partner with outside agencies to provide counseling services, so working with UB on this partnership creates even more opportunities for our students’ families who need mental health services.”
A Collaborative Effort
The MHSP fellowship program is not just about training future social workers—it’s about building a sustainable model for mental health care in rural areas.By embedding students in these communities,UB hopes to create a pipeline of professionals who are equipped to address the unique challenges of rural mental health.
One institution that has been instrumental in supporting teens in rural communities is the Mental Health Advocates of Western New York. Their work highlights the importance of community-based solutions in tackling mental health issues.
key Highlights of the MHSP Fellowship Program
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Funding | $3.59 million grant from the U.S.Department of Education |
| Launch Date | Fall 2025 |
| Partners | Erie 1 BOCES,Akron,Alden,Medina,and Niagara-Wheatfield school districts |
| Focus | Training social work students to provide mental health services in rural areas |
| Goal | address higher rates of depression and isolation in rural schools |
A Call to Action
The MHSP fellowship program represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in rural communities. By investing in the next generation of social workers, UB is not only providing immediate support to underserved areas but also laying the groundwork for long-term change.
For more details on how you can support rural mental health initiatives, visit the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work or explore the work of Mental Health Advocates of Western New York.
This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time. As Dr. Stalker aptly put it,”This program is about meeting those needs where they are.” And for rural communities, that’s exactly where the help is needed most.
Rural communities across the United States face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health resources. Isolation, stigma, and limited access to care are just a few of the barriers that residents in these areas must navigate. Now, a groundbreaking initiative led by the University at Buffalo (UB) aims to bridge this gap by training social workers specifically for rural settings.
The program, funded by a five-year grant, will train 46 fellows, including six participants from UB STARS (Small Towns and Rural Schools). UB STARS is designed to recruit Master of Social Work (MSW) students from rural communities who are committed to returning to their local schools as social workers. These fellows will receive full tuition and fee support, a field placement stipend, and reimbursement for travel and other expenses, making it easier for them to focus on their education and future careers.
The Rural Mental Health Crisis
melinda DuBois, Executive Director of the mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, highlights the stark realities of rural mental health care. “In rural communities, the lack of resources is a real factor as maybe you woudl need to travel to Buffalo to see a clinician.Well, traveling to Buffalo when you are a 14-year-old and your parents are maybe working, it’s almost impossible,” she explains.
This lack of access is compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health issues, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. Additionally, the isolation often experienced in rural areas can exacerbate mental health challenges, particularly for young people.
UB STARS: A solution for Rural Schools
The UB STARS program is a critical component of this initiative. By recruiting MSW students from rural areas, the program ensures that these future social workers have a deep understanding of the communities they will serve. These students will be placed in local schools,where they can provide much-needed support to students and families.
According to UB, the program will not only address the shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas but also create a pipeline of trained social workers who are invested in their communities.This approach is particularly important in schools,where early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s life.
Breaking Down Barriers
The financial support provided by the grant is a game-changer for many aspiring social workers. By covering tuition, fees, and other expenses, the program removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent individuals from pursuing a career in social work. This is especially important in rural areas,where economic challenges can limit educational opportunities.
Moreover, the program’s focus on local recruitment ensures that these social workers are not only trained but also deeply connected to the communities they serve. This local perspective is invaluable in addressing the unique challenges of rural mental health care.
Key Highlights of the UB STARS Program
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Program Duration | Five years |
| Number of Fellows | 46 (including 6 UB STARS participants) |
| Support Provided | Full tuition, fee support, field placement stipend, travel reimbursement |
| Focus Area | Rural schools and communities |
| Goal | Address mental health professional shortages in rural areas |
A Call to Action
The UB STARS program represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in rural America. By investing in the education and training of local social workers, the program not only provides immediate support but also builds a sustainable solution for the future.
If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing a career in social work and making a difference in rural communities, consider exploring the UB STARS program. Together, we can break down the barriers to mental health care and create healthier, more resilient communities.
For more information about the program, visit the University at Buffalo’s official declaration.
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This initiative is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By addressing the unique challenges of rural mental health care, UB is paving the way for a brighter future for countless individuals and families.
Rural school districts,where they will gain hands-on experience while addressing the mental health needs of students and their families. This approach not only provides immediate support to underserved areas but also fosters a sense of connection and trust between the social workers and the communities they serve.
Building a Sustainable Model for Rural Mental Health Care
The MHSP fellowship program is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of mental health professionals who are equipped to address the unique challenges of rural communities. By embedding students in these areas, UB aims to build long-term relationships and ensure that mental health services remain accessible even after the program concludes.
The program’s focus on collaboration is key to it’s success. By partnering with local school districts, organizations like Erie 1 BOCES, and community-based initiatives such as the Mental Health Advocates of Western New York, UB is fostering a network of support that extends beyond the classroom.
Key Highlights of the MHSP Fellowship Program
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Funding | $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education |
| Launch Date | Fall 2025 |
| Partners | Erie 1 BOCES, Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield school districts |
| Focus | Training social work students to provide mental health services in rural areas |
| Goal | Address higher rates of depression and isolation in rural schools |
A Call to Action
The MHSP fellowship program represents a critically importent step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in rural communities. By investing in the next generation of social workers, UB is not only providing immediate support to underserved areas but also laying the groundwork for long-term change.
For more details on how you can support rural mental health initiatives, visit the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work or explore the work of Mental Health Advocates of Western New York.
this initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time. As Dr. Stalker aptly put it, “This program is about meeting those needs where they are.” And for rural communities,that’s exactly where the help is needed most.
Rural communities across the united States face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health resources. Isolation,stigma,and limited access to care are just a few of the barriers that residents in these areas must navigate.Now,a groundbreaking initiative led by the University at Buffalo (UB) aims to bridge this gap by training social workers specifically for rural settings.
The program,funded by a five-year grant,will train 46 fellows,including six participants from UB STARS (Small Towns and Rural Schools). UB STARS is designed to recruit Master of Social Work (MSW) students from rural communities who are committed to returning to their local schools as social workers. These fellows will receive full tuition and fee support, a field placement stipend, and reimbursement for travel and other expenses, making it easier for them to focus on their education and future careers.
The Rural Mental Health Crisis
Melinda DuBois, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, highlights the stark realities of rural mental health care. “In rural communities, the lack of resources is a real factor. Maybe you would need to travel to Buffalo to see a clinician. Well, traveling to Buffalo when you are a 14-year-old and your parents are maybe working, it’s almost impossible,” she explains.
This lack of access is compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health issues, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. Additionally, the isolation often experienced in rural areas can exacerbate mental health challenges, notably for young people.
UB STARS: A Solution for Rural Schools
The UB STARS program is a critical component of this initiative. By recruiting MSW students from rural areas,the program ensures that these future social workers have a deep understanding of the communities they will serve. These students will be placed in rural school districts, where they will gain hands-on experience while addressing the mental health needs of students and their families. This approach not only provides immediate support to underserved areas but also fosters a sense of connection and trust between the social workers and the communities they serve.
Building a Sustainable Model for Rural Mental Health Care
The MHSP fellowship program is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of mental health professionals who are equipped to address the unique challenges of rural communities. By embedding students in these areas, UB aims to build long-term relationships and ensure that mental health services remain accessible even after the program concludes.
The program’s focus on collaboration is key to its success. By partnering with local school districts, organizations like Erie 1 BOCES, and community-based initiatives such as the Mental Health Advocates of Western New York, UB is fostering a network of support that extends beyond the classroom.
Key Highlights of the MHSP Fellowship Program
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Funding | $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education |
| Launch Date | Fall 2025 |
| Partners | Erie 1 BOCES, Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield school districts |
| Focus | training social work students to provide mental health services in rural areas |
| Goal | address higher rates of depression and isolation in rural schools |
A Call to Action
The MHSP fellowship program represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in rural communities. By investing in the next generation of social workers, UB is not only providing immediate support to underserved areas but also laying the groundwork for long-term change.
For more details on how you can support rural mental health initiatives, visit the University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work or explore the work of Mental Health Advocates of western New York.
This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time. As Dr. stalker aptly put it, “This program is about meeting those needs where they are.” And for rural communities, that’s exactly where the help is needed most.
