Idaho State University and Umpqua Community College Join Forces to Address Rural Mental Health Crisis

The expansion of ISU’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program to Oregon will provide a pathway to meet the growing demand for trained social workers in rural areas where mental health services are critically needed.

“As the lead institution in Idaho for health care education, ISU is committed to expanding our reach to neighboring states to meet critical health care needs through strategic and collaborative partnerships,” ISU President Robert W. Wagner said. “We are proud to add Umpqua Community College, a leader in health professions education in Oregon, as a partner in meeting the workforce needs of our area.” 

“As the largest provider of behavioral health service in southwest Oregon, Adapt is acutely aware of the urgent need to address the behavioral health workforce shortage in our area," said Dr. Greg Brigham, CEO of Adapt Integrated Health Care. "This new education and health care collaboration is an important step forward in providing a professional career path that addresses the vital shortage of licensed behavioral health professionals in our community.” 

Through this collaboration, ISU will designate seats in its fully accredited online BASW program for qualified UCC students, allowing them to transition seamlessly from their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing the BASW, students will also have the option to apply for ISU’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, further equipping them for advanced practice in clinical social work and mental health services. As part of this agreement, students will receive specialized advice to ensure a smooth transition from UCC to ISU, and may apply for scholarships that cover tuition, books, and learning materials made possible through a grant from the City of Roseburg and the State of Oregon.

“Partnering with Umpqua Community College enables us to directly address the shortage of social workers in rural communities,” said Dr. Kandi Turley-Ames, dean of ISU’s College of Arts and Letters. “By offering this pathway, we are empowering students in Douglas County to gain the education they need to serve their communities and make a meaningful impact on local mental health care. This is an important part of our mission at ISU.”

This partnership reflects ISU’s ongoing commitment to serving rural areas by addressing critical shortages in the mental health workforce, and UCC’s development of a strong educational infrastructure that addresses critical gaps in local health care positions while providing valuable career opportunities for students. Rural communities across Idaho and Oregon face similar and significant challenges in accessing mental health care, and ISU’s social work graduates will play a pivotal role in providing these essential services.

“This collaboration is a significant step forward in ensuring that rural communities have access to qualified social workers who can deliver high-quality care,” said Turley-Ames.

"UCC is not only creating a pipeline of skilled workers who can meet growing health care needs, this program also opens doors for individuals to step into high-wage, high-demand careers," said Randy Hubbard, UCC Dean of Advanced Medical Program Partnerships.