Since 2014, Western Carolina University Department of Social Work has received a HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) for Professionals grant. The goal of this federal grant award is to improve the supply and distribution of the behavioral health workforce practicing team-based care in integrated settings on the Qualla Boundary (home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and in high need/high demand areas of Western North Carolina with populations across the lifespan. After recruitment and training of a diverse cohort of MSW students (“Scholars”) interested in pursuing integrated care practice in the identified area, Scholars transition to frontline practice by seeking employment in the Health Professional Shortage Areas/Medically Underserved Communities to which they committed upon their grant award. Through this poster presentation, attendees interested in workforce development will be able to identify several strategies that lead to a successful path to alumni employed practice as a strong and resilient professional.
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