The New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) has received a $500,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to launch the Older Adult Rural Mental and Behavioral Health Workforce Support Program (OARS). This initiative addresses the critical need for mental and behavioral health services in rural communities while increasing workforce support and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.
“We are honored to receive this generous grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation,” said Alison Coates, MS, MBA, PhD(c), President, Board of Directors, NYSARH. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of rural New Yorkers. Through the OARS program, we will raise awareness, combat stigma, and create pathways for future mental health professionals to make a meaningful impact in underserved areas.”
The OARS program will focus on four key components:
- Stigma Reduction: Featuring screenings of the film All the Lonely People in six rural communities, including a virtual simulcasts, paired with discussions led by the film’s producer, Joe Applebaum.
- Workforce Pathway Development: Expanding online and in-person trainings, including specialized Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities, provided through partnerships with Rural Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) and NY FarmNet statewide.
- In-Person Shadowing Opportunities: Offering hands-on experiences for students through MASH Camps (Medical Academy of Science and Health Camp) and family consultant mentorships to inspire careers in rural mental health.
- Community and Employer Engagement: Partnering with human resource managers and rural employers to share resources and provide training, helping address mental health needs for older adults and support workers.
Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation added, “We are deeply honored by the wide-ranging impact of our work and by the dedication of our grantees across New York State. We’re inspired by the compassionate legacy of Mother Frances Cabrini, as this year marks a significant milestone in our grantmaking, as we surpassed $1 billion in grants since our founding. This moment fuels our commitment as a Foundation to look toward the future, where we will continue making bold investments in a healthier, more equitable future for all.”
This initiative comes at a pivotal time, as rural communities face increasing mental health challenges and severe workforce shortages. The OARS program represents a meaningful step forward in improving the lives of older adults in these communities while providing opportunities for young people to explore mental health professions.
For more information, visit https://nysarh.org or https://cabrinihealth.org.
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