BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The University at Buffalo is stepping up its efforts to address a key issue facing rural communities: access to mental health care.
A $3.59 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will allow UB to launch a fellowship program within the university’s School of Social Work to bring mental health professionals directly into non-metropolitan schools.
This grant comes as a result of a significant lack of resources, leaving many students and families without the support they desperately need.
UB’s new initiative, the Buffalo Mental Health Service Professionals (MHSP) Fellowship Program, aims to change that.
The university will introduce MHSP to social work graduate students starting in fall 2025.
Students train and work in rural school districts, gaining hands-on experience while supporting underprivileged communities.
“Research shows that students in rural schools often report higher rates of depression and isolation than their urban counterparts,” said Dr. Katie Stoker, UB’s Director of Field Education. “There is,” he explained. “This program aims to meet those needs locally.”
The program will partner with Erie 1 BOCES and focus on four rural school districts: Akron, Alden, Medina and Niagara-Wheatfield.
Niagara Wheatfield coach Daniel Jirjanic said the partnership will be a game-changer.
“We know that it is very difficult to find talent in the field these days, and we are thrilled that our mental health professionals can support the work and training of graduate-level social work students.” ,” said Superintendent Ljiljanich. “As a school district, we have been able to partner with outside agencies to provide these counseling services, so by working with UB in this partnership, we are able to further provide families of students who need mental health services.” It creates a lot of opportunities.”
One organization that has worked closely with teens in rural areas is Mental Health Advocates of Western New York.
Executive Director Melinda Dubois said isolation, drug use and stigma are common challenges in these communities.
“Lack of resources is a big factor in rural communities, because you might have to travel to Buffalo to see a clinician. It’s almost impossible to get there,”’ Dubois said.
During the five-year grant period, 46 fellows will participate in the program, six of whom will become UB STARS participants. According to the university. UB STARS (Small Towns and Rural Schools) is the second component of the program.
UB says UB will recruit MSW students from local communities participating in the grant who are interested in social work positions in local schools.
UB STARS Fellows also receive full tuition and fee support, field placement stipends, reimbursement for travel to and from the placement, and other covered expenses.
