Support grows for rural behavioral health initiative

The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State Mankato continues to receive support from several public and private organizations who are committed to supporting the Center’s goals of improving access to mental health care in rural and outstate Minnesota.

Recent announcements include: www.mankatofreepress.com

• The State of Minnesota has earmarked $1.5 million in one-time money for a community-facing clinic that would increase access to affordable mental health services while giving supervised students opportunities to gain experience as they prepare to enter the behavioral health workforce.

• Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers have pledged $300,000 over three years to establish the operational structure and advance the growth of the Center for Rural Behavioral Health at the University.

• Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota has pledged $600,000 over three years to establish the operational structure and advance the growth of the Center, including naming rights for the Center.

The Center is dedicated to improving access to behavioral healthcare for residents in outstate Minnesota to include recognized Reservations/Settlements through research, workforce development, continuing education and customized training.

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