BLUFFTON, Ohio — Bluffton University has been awarded $450,000 through the Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship (OBHS) program, a statewide initiative designed to increase the number of licensed behavioral health professionals serving communities across Ohio. The award, administered by Health Impact Ohio in partnership with the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and the Ohio Department of Higher Education, will support up to 30 Bluffton University Master of Social Work (MSW) students through December 2028. The Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship program seeks to address critical workforce shortages by preparing graduate students to serve in community behavioral health centers, federally qualified health centers, school-based health clinics and other organizations supporting traditionally underserved populations throughout the state. “This scholarship removes financial barriers for future social workers while helping meet Ohio’s growing need for behavioral health professionals.” The Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship program runs through Dec. 31, 2028, and is expected to significantly strengthen Ohio’s behavioral health workforce while reducing barriers to graduate education.