Ohio University, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield expand partnership to strengthen rural healthcare workforce

Ohio University and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) have further advanced their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to improving health outcomes for rural and underserved populations through expanded endowment funding, microgrants, and increased experiential learning opportunities for students.

Ohio University and Anthem announced an incremental investment of $400,000 over three years to strengthen the existing experiential learning program for aging populations and create an expanded program serving additional vulnerable populations, including adults with chronic conditions and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This expansion will:

• Embed a minimum of 15 apprenticeship positions annually in approved community-based organizations and specialized medical providers, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving Southeastern Ohio and the Athens region.
• Focus apprenticeships on improving physical, emotional, and social health for adults with chronic conditions or intellectual and developmental disabilities through specialized training.
• Develop tailored curriculum and provide faculty oversight to ensure students gain population-specific expertise.
• Cover certification and training costs for students awarded apprenticeship positions, sustaining efforts to deliver high-quality care in rural regions.
• Support students embedded in partner organizations through mentorship, curriculum integration, and experiential learning designed to elevate care standards.
• Allocate a portion of funds to community partners in recognition of their vital role in welcoming students and supporting the shared mission of providing care and experiential learning opportunities.

Students from a broad cross-section of academic programs will benefit from these initiatives, including those majoring in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Food and Nutrition, Environmental Health, Speech-Language Pathology, and more—ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to addressing health disparities in rural communities.

"We’re deeply grateful for Anthem’s continued support of our students and the communities they serve," said Dr. John McCarthy, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University. "These investments—from scholarships and microgrants to experiential learning—directly contribute to the development of a skilled rural healthcare workforce and help address health disparities through community partnerships across multiple Ohio counties.”

"We’re committed to ensuring that all Ohioans, especially those in rural and underserved areas, have access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare," said Michelle Stoughton, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio’s Medicaid plan. “Through our partnership with Ohio University, we’re investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them to serve vulnerable populations."

In 2024, Anthem expanded its commitment with a $50,000 investment to launch an experiential learning program for students working directly with aging populations. Through this program, seven students were placed in community-based organizations and specialized care settings, gaining hands-on experience and demonstrating the success of this innovative approach to workforce experience and development.

“The most meaningful part of my experience has been getting to work firsthand with the community,” said Makayla Wyant, a social work major at Ohio University whose community-based experiences took place at The Laurels in Athens. “Being present and involved has helped me better understand the needs of older adults and see how important connection and support are in a long-term care setting.” 

“This partnership has been extremely beneficial to my clinical experience,” said Tyler Sayre, a physical therapy graduate student whose community-based experience was at First Settlement Physical Therapy in Athens. “I’ve had the opportunity to sharpen my skills as a clinician while also providing holistic care to each patient. These kinds of programs are key to ensuring the best experience for both the clinical instructor and the student.”

Since 2021, Anthem has pledged to invest nearly $500,000 in Ohio University’s efforts to strengthen the rural healthcare workforce through a $52,500 endowment, $22,500 for microgrants, and $400,000 in support of experiential learning. 

• Endowment funds have supported scholarships for students enrolled in the Master of Social Work, Master of Public Health, and Master of Global Health programs, as well as financial assistance for students completing clinical rotations and practicums in Appalachian counties. 
• Microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000 have helped students offset costs such as transportation and housing, enabling them to serve in critical healthcare roles in underserved regions. 
• Experiential learning funds have provided support for students and community partners working to improve care for senior aging and vulnerable populations. 

The combined impact of these annual initiatives reflects Ohio University and Anthem’s shared vision: to improve health outcomes for rural and underserved populations by cultivating a new generation of healthcare professionals equipped to deliver compassionate, personalized care.

For more information about Ohio University’s College of Health Sciences and Professions, visit https://www.ohio.edu/chsp.