CASC forges innovative partnership for student well-being

Carl Albert State College (CASC) has announced 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.

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.