Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Fellowship

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 17, 2024

The Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Fellowship was created to honor Linda Stuhmer, President and CEO of EMC Health Inc. Her contributions to the communities across the Central Valley have been significant, and her leadership with Jessica's House has helped ensure that grieving families and individuals have a place to call home.

Linda is recognized for her commitment to ensuring that no one with a mental health challenge is ever left behind. The scholarship program will draw on the diversity and unique culture of the valley, which will be best served by future providers who are committed to being part of the community

"We have created the Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Fellowship program to begin building our mental health backbench," said Jeffrey Lewis, President and CEO of the EMC Health Foundation. "It is often difficult for people and families to access needed behavioral health services because of severe provider shortages. This fellowship program will allow us to educate local students who want to obtain their master's degree and stay and work in our community. In creating this program, we are honoring a healthcare hero, Linda Stuhmer, recognizing the incredible contributions she has made to our community. "

The fellowship will cover tuition and books for of up to $50,000 for one of the degrees listed below. EMCHF will assist local students from within the 19 zip codes who have been accepted into one of the four doctorate or master’s degree programs listed below:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Upon completing their studies, graduates will be required to return to work for three years at a nonprofit or for-profit entity, serving the greater EMC Health Foundation community's behavior-health needs (within the specific communities served by the EMC Health Foundation).

The goal is to rebuild the Central Valley's behavioral-health infrastructure with individuals who grew up in the region and would be more inclined to live and work in the Central Valley, ensuring that all its residents can access quality mental health services provided by culturally appropriate trained professionals.

To obtain more information about the fellowship program or to submit an application, please email allie@emchf.org