# Ohio Launches Behavioral Health Scholarship Program

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) jointly launched an $18 million Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship (OBHS) Program on August 3, 2026. This program funds scholarships and internships for graduate students pursuing behavioral health degrees, aiming to strengthen the behavioral health workforce by encouraging recipients to serve in underserved Ohio communities after graduation. This initiative addresses critical workforce shortages in behavioral health and represents a significant state investment in workforce development.

- The $18 million funding supports scholarships and internships specifically targeting graduate-level behavioral health education.
- Procurement professionals should note the program's focus on workforce capacity building in underserved areas, which may lead to future contracting opportunities for behavioral health service providers and educational institutions.
- Contractors and vendors in behavioral health training, internship management, and educational support services may find new partnership or subcontracting opportunities with DBH and ODHE.
- The program underscores Ohio's strategic priority to enhance mental health services, signaling potential for expanded procurement in behavioral health workforce development and related support services.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** August 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
- Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
- State of Ohio

### Key Quotes
> We are committed to building a strong workforce to address the mental health challenges Ohioans are facing.
> — Mike DeWine, Governor

### Sources
- [08/03/2026 | DBH, ODHE Announce $18 Million Scholarship and Internship Program to Strengthen Behavioral Health Workforce | Department of Behavioral Health](https://dbh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dbh/about-us/media-center/news/pr08.03.26) - OHIO