Southern Ohio Behavioral Health Initiative
SOBHI
The Southern Ohio Behavioral Health Initiative (SOBHI) is a comprehensive student enhancement program aimed at promoting the recruitment, retention, and graduation of undergraduate and graduate social work students, as well as high school students. It includes tailored curricula, financial support, and experiential learning opportunities in behavioral health settings. This initiative aims to enhance the behavioral health workforce pipeline across 20 counties in the region.
Pipeline Components
With the support of dedicated recruiter/outreach coordinators, administrative staff, and an evaluation team, Miami University (MU) and Ohio University (OU) operate a SOBHI that impacts southern Ohio’s understanding of behavioral health disparities, social determinants of behavioral health, and overall health equity. Below are details about the various opportunities provided through this grant-funded opportunity.
High School Students - Sophomores
Desired Outcome
25 students earning their Community Health Worker (CHW) Credential
Incentives
$3,000 for completing practicum placements
Support for Success
Professional mentoring, Interprofessional education events
High School Students - Summer Scholar Students
Desired Outcome
40 students attending the MU Summer Scholars Program
Incentives
Full program cost covered by the grant
Support for Success
Guidance from professional leaders, Interprofessional education events
High School Students - Rising Juniors
Desired Outcome
25 students enrolling and completing the Early College Academy or College Credit Plus Programming
Incentives
No tuition fees, graduation with high school diploma and associate degree
Support for Success
Professional mentoring, Interprofessional education events
Associate Degree Students
Target Population
Allied health graduates from partner community colleges
Desired Outcome
46 students earning their associate’s degree and wishing to complete a bachelor's degree in social work from Miami University or Ohio University
Incentives
Educational stipend of $5,000
Support for Success
Interprofessional education events
Degree Completers
Target Population
Prior college students needing credits to complete their degree
Desired Outcome
10 students completing bachelor’s degree in social work from Miami University or Ohio University
Incentives
Educational stipend of $5,000
Support for Success
Interprofessional education events
BSW and MSW Students
Target Population
BSW and MSW students
Desired Outcome
20 BSW and 20 MSW students enrolled in social work programs at OHIO and MU.
Incentives
- Tuition scholarships – one-time tuition scholarship of $10,000
- Practicum stipends – $4,500 for completing their practicum placements
- Living expenses stipend – $4,000 for living expenses ( $450 per month) to live in the county of their practicum placement while completing the placement
Support for Success
Professional mentoring, simulation labs, licensure preparation
Contact Justin Wheeler for more information.
For more information, please contact Kerri Shaw, Ohio Alliance for Population Health.