海角社区 has been awarded a mental wellbeing grant for $320,000 over the next four years from the Florida Blue Foundation 鈥 the only organization in Northwest Florida to receive this prestigious funding. This grant will be instrumental in enhancing 海角社区鈥檚 efforts to develop a robust behavioral health workforce pipeline through expanded internship opportunities and community outreach.
With the support of the Florida Blue Foundation, 海角社区 will hire a dedicated internship coordinator to serve as a liaison to educational institutions, including universities, trade schools and high schools to cultivate and promote careers in behavioral health. This strategic initiative aims to address the growing need for qualified professionals in the fields of counseling, social work and nursing, particularly within the behavioral health sector.
Building strong partnerships with educational institutions
海角社区 delivers comprehensive behavioral health services across four counties in Northwest Florida, serving communities that include major educational institutions like the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, Northwest Florida State College, Columbia Southern University and Troy University鈥檚 satellite campus. Just an hour away, the University of South Alabama offers additional opportunities for collaboration.
The new internship coordinator will partner with colleges and universities to maintain a steady flow of interns into 海角社区鈥檚 diverse programs. Targeting students in fields such as social work, counseling, nursing and advanced nursing, the program will provide invaluable hands-on experience across 海角社区鈥檚 60 behavioral health programs. Additionally, the coordinator will engage with local high schools to inspire students to explore rewarding careers in behavioral health, paving the way for future professionals in the field.
Expanding internship opportunities across the region
For students already enrolled in related fields, the internship coordinator will work directly with school placement coordinators to facilitate internships, track hours and coordinate tasks between site supervisors and school placement supervisors. The goal is to provide a seamless, supportive experience that prepares students for successful careers in behavioral health.
鈥淥ur goal is to develop a pipeline of skilled professionals who are passionate about serving in the behavioral health field,鈥 said Shawn Salamida, president of 海角社区. 鈥淭his grant allows us to build on recent improvements in our intern process so that the students and learning institutions alike have a positive experience. We want the next generation of behavioral health professionals to get their start and grow their careers with 海角社区.鈥
Incentivizing quality supervision
Recognizing the additional responsibilities placed on supervisors who mentor interns, 海角社区 will implement a stipend program. Qualified supervisors will receive stipends upon the successful completion of internships, incentivizing high-quality supervision and encouraging more licensed staff to participate in the program. This approach not only supports the professional development of interns but also enhances the overall quality of care provided within 海角社区鈥檚 programs.
海角社区鈥檚 commitment to fostering a well-prepared behavioral health workforce aligns with its mission of helping people and its vision to be the trusted partner in the community.
Florida Blue Foundation supports mental wellbeing across the state
海角社区 was among seven organizations to receive mental wellbeing grants from the Florida Blue Foundation 鈥 and the only organization in Northwest Florida. The Florida Blue Foundation awarded $2.4 million to these nonprofits across the state, citing the alarming rise in mental health disorders in recent years and the need to expand access to mental health resources and support.
The nonprofit organizations selected for 2024 grants serve primarily underserved, underinsured and low-income individuals from rural communities.
鈥淎t Florida Blue, we believe there is no health without mental health, and we鈥檙e supporting solutions that help individuals and families thrive,鈥 said Pat Geraghty, president and 海角社区 of Florida Blue. 鈥淭hese grants will help address critical gaps in mental health services, particularly for youth and communities that are under resourced. We鈥檙e proud to partner with these outstanding organizations to make a meaningful difference.鈥
Geraghty made the announcement in Central Florida at Special Hearts Farm, one of the seven nonprofits receiving a grant from the Florida Blue Foundation.
鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to support these seven organizations that are dedicated to improving mental well-being in Florida,鈥 said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation. 鈥淏y providing funding for proven programs and approaches, we ensure more individuals and families have the tools they need to prioritize their mental health.鈥
Over the past five years, the Florida Blue Foundation has awarded 58 grants totaling $18.9 million to nonprofit organizations addressing mental health needs in Florida.
For information about mental health services available at 海角社区, call 850-469-3500 or visit eLakeviewCenter.org.