Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery partners with Community Connections Inc. for U-Launch Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative

Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery has joined the statewide U-Launch Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative by partnering with Community Connections Inc. The collaborative effort between institutions around the state seeks to prepare new behavioral health professionals to boost the region’s workforce and fill necessary positions for mental health and substance use support services.

According to an article on Marshall University’s website, Martha Polinsky, who serves as the program director of the U-Launch initiative, was quoted as saying, “The need for mental health and substance use services continues to grow, while West Virginia’s behavioral health workforce has been unable to meet that need. This program will inspire students to pursue and complete behavioral health degrees, reinforce current students’ skills and knowledge through practical experience, and positively impact individual campuses with enhanced behavioral health opportunities.”

U-Launch will give 10 undergraduate students the opportunity to serve in paid leadership roles to help lead other students through behavioral health education. These student leaders will support their fellow students, conduct peer outreach, and implement behavioral health initiatives on campus. The student leaders will also, under supervision, help reach high school students to encourage following a behavioral health professional career path, complete their own work plans to solidify their commitment to the field, and reach out to student organizations.

Dr. Jamie Styons, the deputy director of Community Connections Inc., said, “Strengthening West Virginia’s behavioral health workforce requires intentional investment in the next generation of professionals. Through U-Launch, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, build leadership skills and envision their future serving rural communities across our state.”

The initiative is funded through a Momentum Initiative Grant from the West Virginia First Foundation. The initiative will roll out at colleges and universities around West Virginia, including Bethany College, Fairmont State University, Glenville State University, New River Community and Technical College, West Liberty University, West Virginia University, Wheeling University, West Virginia Northern Community College, and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

For more information about Marshall University, visit the school’s website.