TEACH
Train and EMPOWER A Community Health workforce to achieve equity and reduce disparities in mental health (TEACH)
An ongoing project (2023-2028).
The Aim of the Study:
The TEACH project uses the EMPOWER approach to train undergraduate social work students, facilitate peer supervision for quality assurance, and deploy them as certified Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the community. In Phase 1, focus groups gather student perspectives on the program. In Phase 2, interested students complete a special topics course and apply for CHW certification with the state of Texas. In Phase 3, students are deployed to the Baylor Scott and White Health System for internships, and their competencies are evaluated.
The Background:
Mental health disorders disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority communities and people facing poverty, discrimination, and structural inequality. In Texas, which ranks last nationally in mental health access, the need for community-rooted care is especially acute. Fewer than one-third of adults with depression receive treatment, and minority groups face steeper barriers to accessing quality, preferred care. Building a diverse, community-trained mental health workforce offers a direct pathway to closing these gaps.
Supporters and Project Duration:
This study is led by the University of Texas - Arlington and Baylor Scott and White Health System, and is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (1U01MD019540-01), PI Katherine Sanchez (2023-2028).