The Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at UMass Chan Medical School has launched a new statewide fellowship program aimed at increasing the number of psychiatric mental Health nurse practitioners in community health centers. This initiative seeks to address the growing demand for mental health services in Massachusetts, particularly in underserved populations.
Funded by a $11.6 million grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the fellowship program will recruit and place graduate level fellows and student fellows in at least 25 community health centers over a four-year period. The goal is to expand the workforce pipeline, increase diversity, and improve access to mental health care at the community level.
The program, developed in partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, offers a range of educational experiences and support for fellows. Eligible participants include registered nurses in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs, as well as recent graduates entering the field.
In addition to clinical experiences, fellows will receive training in topics related to community health settings, safe prescribing practices, and integrated primary care. Mentoring, professional development, and ongoing support will also be provided to ensure the success of the fellows in their placements.
Community health centers that participate in the program will benefit from having highly trained mental health professionals on their teams, enhancing the quality of care and expanding access for patients. The fellowship program is currently accepting applications for its second cohort.
For more information on this groundbreaking initiative, visit the program’s website and learn how it is making a difference in the mental health landscape of Massachusetts.
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