Auburn’s College of Education partners with Rural Health Initiative and Extension to provide mental health resources to Tallapoosa County

A partnership between Auburn University’s College of Education, Auburn University Outreach and Tallapoosa County Extension is launching a new community-centered mental health series this fall aimed at strengthening support and awareness as part of Auburn’s Rural Health Initiative.

The series, Community Conversations on Mental Health, is a collaborative effort that will be administered by the College of Education’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program and the Counseling Honor Society Iota Delta Sigma (IDS). Designed to foster dialogue, raise awareness and address service gaps, the monthly series will be free for the public and will run from September through December at Central Alabama Community College in Tallapoosa County. The series will feature interactive presentations by first-year CMHC graduate students, who will be mentored by IDS members and Counselor Education doctoral students, blending hands-on training with meaningful community engagement.

“This project not only helps address mental health needs in rural Alabama but also gives our students invaluable experience in advocacy, psychoeducation and community partnership,” Assistant Clinical Professor and CMHC Clinical Coordinator Sarah Flint said. “It’s an opportunity for our students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom while serving others in meaningful ways.”

The idea originated with second-year CMHC student Anna Beth Gandy, who proposed integrating community outreach with Auburn's Rural Health Initiative (RHI) into early counselor training. In response, Gandy, Flint, Assistant Vice President for University Outreach and Public Service Hollie Cost and Assistant Professor and IDS Faculty Advisor Danielle Boyd discussed how this partnership could be structured, and student involvement was embedded within the CMHC program's introductory course and within IDS. The hope is to continue the partnership by offering these Community Conversations on Mental Health in other rural counties in Alabama each semester and, by introducing involvement early, foster sustained engagement throughout the College of Education’s counseling programs.

Each session will focus on timely, community-driven mental health topics and invite participants to reflect, share experiences and develop practical strategies for well-being. The series not only connects Auburn students with rural partners but also reinforces the university’s commitment to service and innovation.

“By integrating this initiative into the very first semester of coursework, we’re signaling to students that advocacy and community engagement are core to their professional identity as counselors,” Flint said. “Our hope is that these early experiences not only build confidence but also spark a lifelong commitment to serving underserved communities.”

The lineup of public presentations and conversations as part of the new series are as follows:

Sept. 19 – The Basics: Getting to Know Mental Health

Oct. 24 – Everyday Stress and Feelings: Simple Ways to Cope

Nov. 21 – A Beginners Look at Alcohol and Substances

Dec. 5 – Coping with Hard Times and Feeling Connected

Each event will take place from 9-11 a.m. CST. Those interested can register online at www.aces.edu/go/ruralhealth. For more information, call 256-825-1050.