Stanislaus State, Anthem Blue Cross Foundation Partner to Expand Community Health Worker Train...

In recognition of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, Aug. 24-28, Stanislaus State is expanding efforts to prepare community health workers who connect residents with behavioral health resources through a new partnership with the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation.

A three-year Foundation investment of $293,250 will support training for community health workers serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, El Dorado and Alpine counties, helping increase awareness and utilization of behavioral health services.

The program addresses a growing workforce challenge across California. State projections show every California county faces a shortage of behavioral health professionals, with the San Joaquin Valley expected to experience some of the most severe workforce gaps. By preparing community health workers to connect residents with care, Stanislaus State is helping strengthen the region's behavioral health system.

"When communities see themselves reflected in the people providing care and support, trust grows and outcomes improve," said Sarah Sweitzer, dean of Stanislaus State's Stockton Campus. "Together, we're preparing a behavioral health workforce rooted in lived experience, cultural understanding and a shared commitment to expanding access to care for those who need it most."

The initiative is designed to improve behavioral health awareness, increase access to care, and strengthen community partnerships throughout the region.

"Stanislaus State has developed a proven, community-focused training program and is well positioned to help strengthen the behavioral health workforce across the Northern San Joaquin Valley and surrounding counties," said Les Ybarra, President of Anthem Blue Cross Medicaid. "By expanding advanced training in mental health and substance use disorders for community health workers, this investment will improve access to timely, culturally responsive care - especially for residents in rural and underserved communities."

The support for Stanislaus State is part of a broader statewide commitment by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, which recently announced more than $1 million in grants to five California organizations working to expand behavioral health services, strengthen community-based care and improve access for underserved populations.