Poteau, OK – March 11, 2024 – Carl Albert State College (CASC) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership initiated in 2023 with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), aimed at bolstering student mental health and well-being through an embedded field service coordinator model.
Under this visionary collaboration, ODMHSAS has stationed a dedicated field service coordinator at CASC’s Poteau campus wellness center, known as The Harbor. Renata Goolsby serves as the coordinator at The Harbor. Goolsby operates not only within the campus but also extends the The Harbor’s reach into the broader community and region, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to mental health services. CASC also established a center on the Sallisaw Campus.
The embedded model implemented by CASC and ODMHSAS facilitates seamless coordination and planning of mental health services, fostering a dynamic environment for effective collaboration and partnership across the region and the state. The field service coordinator plays a pivotal role in convening training events, leveraging resources, and identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration that benefits both the college and the community.
The partnership aligns with CASC’s commitment to a whole-campus approach to student, faculty, and staff mental health, offering strategic support to address the diverse needs of its student population. By embedding the ODMHSAS field service coordinator directly within The Harbor, CASC aims to create an inclusive and accessible space for students to receive the support they need.
Both CASC and ODMHSAS express excitement about the potential for future growth and collaborative opportunities. The partnership marks a significant step towards establishing a model that can be replicated across educational institutions, ensuring that students have access to vital mental health resources and support.
“We are thrilled about the positive impact this partnership has already had on our campus and the broader community. It exemplifies our commitment to providing holistic support for our students, acknowledging the importance of mental health in their overall well-being,” said President Jay Falkner.
CASC and ODMHSAS are committed to fostering an environment that promotes mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and ensures that students have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally. This collaboration serves as a testament to the power of partnerships in creating a healthier and more supportive educational community.
Photo L to R: Mandy Roberts, Executive Director-CASC Development Foundation, Holly Bormann, Director of Marketing & Communications, Elisa Thompson, Senior Manager of Youth and Young Adult Services, Stacy Barrett, Director of Children’s Outpatient Services and Young Adult Services, ORSHE Chancellor Allison Garrett, Regent Jack Shery, Regent Ann Holloway, Renata Goolsby, Program Coordinator- The Harbor, Geneva Stretch, Associate Director of E-Team (Univ. of OK), Jaime Henson, Director-Sallisaw Campus, Dr. Jay Falkner, CASC President.
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