Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative
Overview
The Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative is an initiative supported by the Rural Behavioral Health HRSA Grant and Jacksonville State University. The collaborative is dedicated to strengthening behavioral health systems across rural Alabama and neighboring Georgia communities.
Through strategic partnerships, the Collaborative supports organizations and providers in delivering trauma-informed, equitable, and evidence-based care. This effort reflects Jax State’s commitment to community engagement, workforce development, and improving the well-being of individuals and families across the region.
Mission & Purpose
The Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative exists to strengthen the behavioral health workforce in rural communities, promote trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices, support providers in reducing burnout and increasing sustainability, expand access to high-quality care for children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families.
Regional Impact
The Collaborative serves a 19-county catchment area across Alabama and Georgia, with a primary focus on agencies within rural and underserved communities.
Alabama Service Area
- Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega
Georgia Service Area
- Floyd, Paulding, Polk, Carroll, Bartow, Walker, and Haralson
Please reach out to Mrs. Tekeisha Goggins with questions at tgoggins@jsu.edu if you are located outside of the grant catchment area.
Benefits of Participation
Organizations that join the Collaborative gain access to resources and opportunities that support both professional development and service delivery.
Partners receive:
- Discounted continuing education (CE) and certification opportunities through the Center for Best Practices
- Access to the Rural Trauma-Informed Toolkit and technical assistance
- Opportunities for regional collaboration and networking
- Inclusion in reports, publications, and conference presentations
- A role in shaping workforce development initiatives and strengthening the behavioral health pipeline
Collaborative Structure
The Collaborative is guided by a shared leadership model. Participating organizations contribute to planning and decision-making through a Collaborative Board that: Ensures alignment with the mission and goals; Establishes priorities and strategic direction; Promotes transparency, mutual respect, and shared responsibility; Each partner organization has an equal voice in advancing the work of the Collaborative.
Partner Expectations
Participation in the Collaborative reflects a commitment to shared learning and regional impact. Partner organizations agree to: Attend quarterly planning meetings (virtual or in-person); Participate in two networking events annually; Contribute to regional needs assessments; Provide input on training priorities and toolkit development; Share organizational feedback and, when appropriate, non-identifiable data to support evaluation efforts
Jax State’s Commitment to Rural Behavioral Health and its Partners
Jacksonville State University supports Collaborative partners by:
- Coordinating and hosting meetings and networking events
- Leading regional assessments and data collection efforts
- Developing and maintaining the Rural Trauma-Informed Toolkit
- Providing training, resources, and technical assistance
- Become a Partner
Organizations interested in joining the Rural Behavioral Health Collaborative are encouraged to connect with our team.
Contact:
Mrs. Tekeisha Goggins
Collaborative Manager
Email: tgoggins@jsu.edu
Phone: 256-782-5621