The UNK AmeriCorps program has a mission of increasing accessibility to behavioral health care for people living in rural Nebraska communities. Access to these types of services is often reduced in rural areas, but the need is still there and improving the accessibility helps to keep the whole community healthier.

The program started during the 2017-2018 program year and focuses on the Healthy Futures AmeriCorps focus area. AmeriCorps members are recruited from rural communities and training programs, and as graduate-level students, they serve by providing clinical services to patients under supervision. Additionally, members are trained in the use of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) processes to address the need for substance abuse awareness.

The impact of the UNK-CSP AmeriCorps program is providing affordable care to those who are in need of mental health care and/or assistance combatting substance abuse. Each year, meeting a goal of 500 new patients receiving care indicates how critical such a program is to Nebraska communities.

*If you would like to learn more about the UNK-CSP AmeriCorps program, visit their information page here.