Athens, W.Va.-based Concord University will use $5 million in federal funding for its programs that train mental health workers, WVPB reported April 6.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program.
The money will be used to place 40 masters-level social work students in high-need schools across the state to complete their advanced-year field placements. After completion, these students will be ready for employment, helping with the mental health professional shortage.
"The recommended national ratio for students to social workers in schools is one social worker for every 250 students," Shawn Allen, associate professor of social work at the university, told the news outlet. "In West Virginia right now, the ratio is one social worker for every 15,433 students. When we saw the opportunity for this funding, we knew that it would be a great way to try to help meet some of that need."