Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) in Clifton Forge has been awarded $50,000 from Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF) to enhance rural healthcare accessibility.
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The college plans to utilize the funds to expand its high school dual-enrollment programs, increase staffing, and develop flexible schedules that allow current healthcare workers to pursue further education.
Dr. Ben Worth, vice president of academic affairs at MGCC, emphasized the importance of improving resources for mental health professionals in the region. He stated, "When we think about healthcare, we cannot overlook mental health. Rural communities deserve access to a strong behavioral health workforce just as much as any other healthcare profession."
According to a 2023 release from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Southwest Virginia has a higher prevalence of serious mental illness among adults compared to other parts of the state. However, the region is underserved, with one mental health provider available for every 1,030 residents, markedly higher than Virginia's average of one provider per 730 residents.
MGCC intends to address this disparity by expanding its curriculum through the newly secured state funding.