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Future Health Leaders: The Need for Continued Support at Lewis University

Sustaining Health Care Training: The Importance of BHWET Grant for Lewis University

Lewis University is nearing the end of its U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding to tackle health care disparities in African-American, Latino, and low-income communities. The Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant, awarded in 2021, has been utilized by the university to reduce workforce shortages that result in inadequate access to treatment and healthcare inequities, particularly for children, adolescents, and transition-age youth. The $1.5 million grant has supported funding and training for 105 students at Lewis University. This includes 76 students in the Master of Social Work program and 29 students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Master of Science in Nursing program.

The BHWET grant facilitated several enhanced training programs for the students. These programs included Telehealth for Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC), Foundations of Telehealth, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS), Trauma-Informed Care, Positive Youth Development, Youth Friendliness and Authentic Youth Engagement, Cultural Responsiveness, Disability Awareness, Integrating Physical and Behavioral Health, Promoting Prevention and Wellness, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), and Simulation Training for Integrated Care.

Lewis University is seeking a renewal of the BHWET grant from HRSA, which would enable the institution to continue its important work in training future behavioural health leaders. The university, a modern and enterprising Catholic institution, boasts growing enrollment numbers across programs ranging from GED to doctoral levels. As a member of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis University is recognized for preparing graduates who make positive impacts worldwide.


Editor's Note

The BHWET grant has been pivotal for Lewis University, enabling it to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. With $1.5 million in funding, the university has supported and trained 105 students in critical health areas. As this grant nears its end, renewing it is crucial to continue the essential work. Continuing this funding will allow Lewis University to produce skilled professionals ready to make significant contributions to healthcare equity and accessibility. The future of equitable health care depends on sustained investment in such educational initiatives. 

Skoobuzz believes that we stand at a pivotal moment where sustained investment in education and training can lead to transformative impacts on healthcare accessibility and quality for all.