The Health Resources and Services Administration recently awarded Radford University an $863,118 grant for the Rural Integrated Care Expansion Project, which sees Radford doctoral students in placements in local primary care settings.
“Integrated care is a relatively new model
where psychologists help not only with traditional mental health concerns, but
also with the behavioral aspects of health care,” professor of psychology Sarah
Hastings said.
The grant will finance more slots for Radford’s doctoral candidates to gain hands-on experience in integrated care at Tri-Area Community Health and the Community Health Center of the New River Valley, which provide affordable health services. Students undertaking practicums will also receive financial support thanks to the grant.
Additionally, Radford
will be able to bring in guest speakers to educate both students and
community professional health care workers on the latest trends and practices
associated with integrated care.
“There is a real need for providers in rural areas,” Hastings said. “We want to help students develop skills in working with rural populations, to understand the concerns rural patients bring in. We want to expose them to these opportunities so they will be equipped to work in integrated primary care settings.”
Alerts Sign-up