Western Receives $230,000 in Grants to Strengthen Rural Behavioral Health Workforce

People in rural communities struggling to find mental healthcare could soon see some relief after Western Colorado University’s Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) program was awarded two competitive grants totaling $230,000 to address the growing behavioral health crisis in rural Colorado.

The Southwest Colorado Regional Opioid Council awarded the program $215,000 to launch Western’s new Harm Reduction Fellowship Initiative. Over the next two years, the grant will cover the cost of placing eight graduate students in frontline organizations across the Gunnison Valley, such as GRASP, GCSAPP, the Health Coalition of Gunnison Valley, and Western’s own Student Health and Community Wellness Department.

Fellows in the program will support harm reduction education efforts, distribute life-saving supplies like Narcan and fentanyl test strips, and assist individuals navigating substance use or recovery.

 “These grants will allow us to expand harm reduction programs and grow the local behavioral health workforce,” Jessica Eckhardt, Co-Director of the MBS program and the fellowship’s coordinator, said. “It’s a great opportunity to strengthen the Gunnison Valley’s capacity to reduce opioid-related harms while giving graduate students the tools to lead effective, community-based interventions.”

In addition, the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation awarded the program $15,000 through its Workforce Development Grant program. That money will support scholarships for low-income, BIPOC, and women-identifying students in behavioral health and health equity fields, especially those entering Western’s new Community Counseling concentration, set to launch in Fall 2025.

Graduates from the program will be ready to serve in non-clinical behavioral health careers, such as peer specialists, grief counselors, school support staff, and therapeutic mentors.  For students interested in clinical licensure, the MBS program will offer additional courses endorsed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Association to earn a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) certification.

“Together, these awards represent a major investment in the future of rural mental health care. They address longstanding gaps in access, equity, and training while helping us meet the growing behavioral health needs on the Western Slope,” Eckhardt said. “With over 75% of MBS graduates already serving in rural areas, this work ensures the next generation of behavioral health professionals is well-trained, deeply rooted, and ready to serve.”