Southern Oregon University has secured a $110,000 grant from the Ashland Regional Health Foundation to fund a faculty position for the 2024-25 academic year in SOU’s master’s degree program in clinical mental health counseling.
The SOU grant is the first undertaking by ACHF and will be paid for by a $1 million grant the nonprofit community health organization received from CareOregon. The grant to ACHF will be used over the next three years to help strengthen the behavioral health workforce in the Rogue Valley.
In addition to the $110,000 grant that will fund a faculty position at SOU, ACHF funding will provide paid internships for local behavioral health counseling students, scholarships for second-year counseling program students, and peer support in the behavioral field. used for continuing education for those who provide it. Health settings and funds to support the needs of future behavioral health workers. All grant-funded initiatives are operated in partnership with Jackson Care Connect and are designed to support those serving low-income and vulnerable populations, including Medicaid customers.
The grant from CareOregon to ACHF is in response to the Oregon Health Care Workforce Needs Assessment in 2023, in which the Oregon Health Policy Commission and the Oregon Health Authority prioritized expanding the behavioral health workforce.
SOU’s master’s degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to work as behavioral health counselors in both public and private settings. Accredited programs that meet both state and federal standards offer small class sizes, supportive student-faculty connections, and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
In its 22-year history, ACHF has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to nursing and health-related students. The 501(c)(3) organization promotes an innovative and equitable approach to health and wellness in the Ashland and Rogue Valley communities.
