Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University’s Department of Social Work has been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish a new initiative aimed at strengthening Alabama’s behavioral health workforce in rural areas. The Rural Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program will focus on preparing Master of Social Work (MSW) students to serve in high-need, underserved communities across the state.
The program is co-led by Dr. Dominique Maywald and Tekeisha Goggins, and represents a collaborative effort from faculty and staff across the department. The initiative was developed with contributions from several individuals, including librarian Kim Westbrooks, who provided vital demographic and workforce data during the early stages of the grant proposal.
“This initiative is about building a system rooted in cultural humility, professional resilience, and community collaboration,” said Dr. Maywald.
The project aims to support 48 MSW students over the next four years by providing scholarships and stipends of up to $25,000 per student. These funds will help eliminate financial barriers, covering graduate tuition and offering stipends during students’ internship practicums. The program also includes trauma-informed coursework, experiential learning, and participation in a rural consultation group.
Dr. Maureen Newton, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, emphasized the program’s focus on long-term workforce development. “Our mission from the beginning has been to help build a stronger behavioral health workforce in Alabama’s rural communities.”
The initiative consists of three core components:
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Scholarship & Stipend Program: Financial support and training for MSW students pursuing careers in rural behavioral health.
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Center for Best Practices in Rural Behavioral Health: A regional hub providing trauma-informed training, certification, telehealth education, and supervision for over 1,600 behavioral health professionals.
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Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative: An interdisciplinary network to develop a toolkit, host networking events, and provide mentorship and licensure exam preparation.
Dr. Kimber Wickersham, Department Head and Associate Professor of Social Work, noted the importance of breaking down economic barriers for students. “Our goal is to help future mental health practitioners serve the communities they call home.”
The program addresses ongoing challenges in rural behavioral health care, including provider burnout, workforce instability, and limited access to trauma-informed services. Through strategic partnerships with more than 140 behavioral health providers across 36 counties in Alabama and Georgia, JSU’s initiative seeks to build a sustainable, trauma-informed care model that can be replicated in other regions.
“This funding allows students to fully engage with their training and remain committed to serving their communities,” said Goggins.
The program is expected to have a lasting impact on behavioral health access, provider retention, and professional development throughout the Southeast.
