Gardner-Webb University Receives Federal Grant Totaling $2.16M Over Four Years

Funding Awarded to the College of Health Sciences to Address Behavioral Health Needs in Rural and Underserved Areas of North Carolina

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s College of Health Sciences has received the University’s first federally-funded grant. Presented by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the initial award is $550,000, which is renewable for three years for a total of $2.16 million. The funding will address behavioral health needs in rural and underserved areas through the Advancing Collaborative Care, Integration, and Interprofessional Education in Rural North Carolina (ACE) project.   

The purpose of the ACE project is to prepare Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) students to practice in integrated care sites and improve access to behavioral health services for North Carolina. The University’s staff and faculty worked with its grants consulting partner, McAllister & Quinn, to obtain the award.

“This grant represents a significant milestone for Gardner-Webb and affirms the vital role we play in addressing behavioral health disparities across our region,” affirmed Interim GWU President Nate Evans. “It also underscores the University’s commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes in rural and underserved communities. I am incredibly proud of our faculty and staff for their dedication and leadership in bringing this project to fruition.”

The proposed project will (1) build institutional infrastructure to support recruitment, teaching, and learning for a diverse clinical workforce; (2) enhance curricula and co-curricular activities to better prepare PMHNP and CMHC students to work in integrated care environments; and (3) expand clinical capacity for PMHNP and CMHC trainees in integrated care settings, with practice partners such as Atrium Health, CaroMont Behavioral Health, and Kintegra Behavioral Health.

By meeting its education and clinical objectives, the ACE project will propel the College of Health Sciences’ capacity to prepare graduates to meet urgent behavioral health service needs in North Carolina. The organization of activities throughout the project period reflects a thoughtful approach of capacity building, planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability. The PMHNP and CMHC students will work and learn together with preceptors and supervisors in integrated care settings, providing a high-quality learning experience. 

“We are grateful for the support of this grant, which enhances the education of the PHMNP and CMHC students through integrated experiential learning,” shared Gardner-Webb Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters. “This opportunity equips students to serve in high-need areas while fostering a strong commitment to compassionate, collaborative care. I extend thanks to our dedicated faculty, whose leadership was instrumental in securing the grant and is vital to the successful implementation of this meaningful initiative.”

Further, Gardner-Webb faculty will participate in extensive professional development, so that they can better prepare students, colleagues, clinical partners, and other members of the community to meet the unmet needs of marginalized populations, especially those who have or are at-risk of developing co-occurring mental health needs and substance use disorders. This professional development targets the serious unmet needs of children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth, and will enhance the collective approach to meeting their needs in the region.

The following faculty members collaborated on the grant proposal and will lead implementation of the ACE project: Dr. Tiffany Stewart (PMHNP program coordinator), Dr. Sharon Webb (chair, CMHC program), and Dr. Charlotte Stephens (associate professor of nursing).

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.