UB Tackles Rural Mental Health Crisis with $3.59 Million Fellowship Program

Buffalo, NY – The University at Buffalo (UB) is taking aim at the critical shortage of mental health professionals in rural communities with a new $3.59 million fellowship program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Buffalo mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) fellowship program will equip graduate students with the skills and experience needed to provide vital support to students in underserved areas.

Beginning in Fall 2025, the MHSP program will be integrated into UB’s School of Social Work, offering a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience while making a tangible difference.

“Research shows that students in rural schools frequently enough report higher rates of depression and feelings of isolation compared to their urban counterparts,” explained Dr. Katie stalker, UB’s Field Education Director. “This program is about meeting those needs where they are.”

The program will partner with Erie 1 BOCES and focus on four rural school districts: Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield.

[Image: Students interacting with children in a rural school setting]

Daniel Ljiljanich, Superintendent of Niagara-Wheatfield, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.”We certainly know its very arduous these days to help find people in that field,” he said. “We’re excited that our mental health professionals are going to be able to help work and train these graduate-level social worker students. As a district, we’ve been able to partner with outside agencies to provide these counseling services, so working with UB on this partnership creates even more opportunity for our students’ families who need mental health services.”

The MHSP fellowship program represents a significant step towards bridging the gap in mental health care access for rural communities. By training and deploying a new generation of mental health professionals, UB is paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for students and families in these underserved areas.

[Image: UB School of Social Work logo]

Rural Communities Get Boost in Mental Health Support with New Grant

University at Buffalo Program Aims to Tackle Mental Health Crisis in Underserved Areas

The University at Buffalo’s new fellowship program is bringing hope to rural communities struggling with a shortage of mental health professionals. The $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will fund the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) fellowship program, which will train graduate students to provide much-needed support to students in underserved areas.

UB Tackles Rural mental Health Crisis with New fellowship Program

Buffalo, NY – The University at Buffalo (UB) is leading the way in addressing the critical shortage of mental health professionals in rural communities across New York state. A generous $3.5 million grant from the Health Resources and services Administration (HRSA) will fund a groundbreaking fellowship program designed to bring much-needed support directly to students in underserved areas.

Addressing a Growing Need

Starting in Fall 2025, the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) fellowship program will be integrated into UB’s School of Social Work. The program offers graduate students invaluable hands-on experience while making a tangible difference in the lives of rural students.

“Research shows that students in rural schools frequently enough report higher rates of depression and feelings of isolation compared to their urban counterparts,” explained Dr. Katie Stalker, UB’s Field Education Director.

The five-year grant will support 46 fellows, providing them with full tuition and fee support, a field placement stipend, reimbursement for travel to and from placements, and other covered expenses. This extensive support system aims to remove financial barriers and encourage graduates to stay and work in the communities they know best.

UB STARS: Investing in Local Talent

A unique component of the program, UB STARS (Small Towns and Rural Schools), will recruit Master of Social Work (MSW) students from the grant’s participating rural communities. By encouraging these students to pursue social work positions in their local schools, the program hopes to create a sustainable solution to the mental health crisis facing rural America.

“Isolation, drug use, and stigma are common challenges in these communities,” says Melinda Dubois, Executive Director of the program. “The lack of resources is a real factor because accessing a clinician might require traveling long distances, which can be nearly unachievable for young people, especially those whose parents are working.”

By investing in local talent and providing them with the necessary resources, the UB MHSP fellowship program aims to bridge the gap in mental health services and ensure that all students, regardless of their zip code, have access to the support they need.

UB Launches Fellowship to Tackle Rural Mental Health Crisis

Buffalo, NY – The University at Buffalo School of Social Work is taking aim at the critical shortage of mental health professionals in rural communities with a new fellowship program. the Buffalo Mental Health Services in Schools Program (MHSP) will train a new generation of social workers specifically equipped to address the unique challenges faced by students in these underserved areas.

“This program is about meeting those needs head-on by training a new generation of mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities,” said [Name], Dean of the UB School of Social Work.

The MHSP fellowship will provide students with specialized training in rural mental health issues, including trauma-informed care, culturally competent practice, and suicide prevention. Fellows will be placed in rural schools and community organizations, gaining real-world experience while providing crucial support to students struggling with mental health concerns.

“This fellowship program is a vital step toward bridging the gap in mental health services in rural areas,” said [Name], Superintendent of [Local School District]. “by investing in the education and training of mental health professionals, UB is helping to create a brighter future for rural students.”

The Buffalo MHSP fellowship program is expected to have a significant impact on the mental health landscape of rural communities. By equipping a new generation of professionals with the skills and experience necessary to address the unique challenges of rural life, UB is playing a critical role in creating a more equitable and supportive surroundings for all students.

For more data on the Buffalo MHSP fellowship program, visit [link to UB School of Social Work website].

UB Tackles Rural Mental Health Crisis with New Fellowship Program

Buffalo, NY – The University at buffalo (UB) is leading the way in addressing the critical shortage of mental health professionals in rural communities across New York state. A generous $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of education will fund a groundbreaking fellowship program designed to bring much-needed support directly to students in underserved areas.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care

Starting in Fall 2025, the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) fellowship program will be integrated into UB’s School of social Work. The program offers graduate students invaluable hands-on experience while making a tangible difference in the lives of rural students.

“Research shows that students in rural schools frequently report higher rates of depression and feelings of isolation compared to their urban counterparts,” explained Dr. Katie Stalker, UB’s Field education Director.

Dr. Stalker underscored the urgency of the situation: “This program is about meeting those needs where they are.”

A Collaborative Approach

The MHSP program will partner with Erie 1 BOCES and focus on four rural school districts: Akron, Alden, Medina, and Niagara-Wheatfield.this collaborative approach ensures that the program is tailored to the specific needs of these communities.

Daniel ljiljanich, Superintendent of Niagara-Wheatfield, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“We certainly know it’s very arduous these days to find people in that field. We’re excited that our mental health professionals are going to be able to help work and train these graduate-level social worker students. As a district, we’ve been able to partner with outside agencies to provide these counseling services, so working with UB on this partnership creates even more opportunity for our students’ families who need mental health services.”

Investing in a Brighter Future

The MHSP fellowship program is a beacon of hope for rural communities struggling with limited access to mental health care. By training and deploying a new generation of mental health professionals, UB is making a lasting investment in the well-being of students and families in these underserved areas.