STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health and Nutrition Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Subi Gandhi has received a $100,000 Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support the advancement of the Rural Mental Health Network (RMHN).
The RMHN is a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen mental health infrastructure in Brown, Comanche and Erath counties.
“Securing this grant to establish the network is crucial for collaboratively enhancing the capacity of our rural and agricultural communities,” said Associate Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Ramona Ann Parker. “I am eager to observe the impact of this project. This grant award recognizes Dr. Gandhi’s commitment and dedication, especially in addressing the mental health needs of rural and agricultural communities.”
By uniting key partners — Tarleton State University, Comanche County Medical Center, Accel Health and the Center for Life Resources — the RMHN aims to build a sustainable, community-driven framework that enhances collaboration, streamlines service delivery and expands access to essential mental health services.
“This award represents a transformative opportunity for Tarleton State University’s College of Health Sciences and our regional partners to address longstanding mental health challenges in rural Texas,” said Dr. Gandhi. “Through the development of a sustainable, community-driven network, we aim to strengthen access to care and support healthier, more connected communities.”
“I am honored to lead this initiative and deeply grateful for the support from the college leadership, Dr. Parker and Dr. Ryou. I look forward to working with our talented team, including Dr. Cecilia Marrugo-Puello — a valued faculty member from Tarleton State University — as we move this important work forward.”
This planning grant differs from a traditional research grant in that its primary goal is to aid in building infrastructure, partnerships and strategic direction rather than generating new scientific discovery. The funds awarded for the development of the RMHN will be used to lay the foundation for this network and create a long-term lasting impact.
“Rural communities face persistent barriers to mental health care, including limited access and fragmented services,” said Associate Professor and Interim Dean of the School of Health and Clinical Professions Dr. Myong-gwi Ryou. “This grant reflects the power of collaboration and the commitment of faculty like Dr. Gandhi to address these disparities. Her efforts to strengthen mental health infrastructure will make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across our rural communities.”
Some of the work that this network will provide includes developing a comprehensive structure, conducting community needs assessments, facilitating stakeholder engagement sessions, establishing a formalized governance structure and creating a roadmap for implementing integrated mental health services.
The initiative is guided by the Health Equity Collective at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, leveraging their expertise in collective impact models.
