Mental Health Outreach Intern

PLEASE NOTE: Although this posting may display a longer availability window on Handshake due to system requirements, applications for this internship must be submitted by March 27.

This internship is part of the BRIDGE Fellows program, a workforce development initiative coordinated by the Kent County Health Department and the Grand Rapids LGBTQ Health Care Consortium. BRIDGE Fellows are hired and supported by KCHD and the Consortium but placed with community partner organizations across Kent County to work on projects that address local public health priorities. While the Fellow will spend most of their time working with the host site listed below, they will also participate in cohort activities, mentorship, and professional development coordinated by KCHD and the Consortium.

Host Site: North End Wellness Coalition and Creston Neighborhood Association 

Time Commitment: 11-20 hours per week

Project Description: 

The “Make a Mental Health Move” initiative is a collaborative community campaign designed to increase awareness of mental health resources and reduce stigma surrounding mental health in the North End of Grand Rapids. The initiative is carried out in partnership between five organizations: North End Wellness Coalition, Creston Neighborhood Association, Arbor Circle, the Be Nice program, and Calvin University. Each partner is using grant funds to expand mental health programming or services within the community.

The BRIDGE Fellow will support outreach and coordination efforts to ensure residents are aware of these expanded services and opportunities. This will include working closely with partner organizations to understand the programs they are offering and developing outreach materials to communicate those resources to the community. The Fellow may assist with creating educational materials that promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight available services for residents of the North End.

The Fellow will also engage directly with community stakeholders to expand awareness of the initiative. This may include meeting with partner organizations, connecting with local businesses, schools, faith leaders, and community-based organizations, and distributing informational materials about available mental health resources. Through these activities, the Fellow will help strengthen communication between community partners and residents while promoting broader participation in local mental health initiatives.

Community Importance:

Mental health challenges have increased across the United States, and community-level strategies are essential to ensure residents are aware of available support services and feel comfortable accessing them.  The 2023 Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment identified mental health as a major public health priority for the region. In many communities, stigma, lack of awareness, and limited connections between residents and service providers can prevent people from seeking help.

The Make a Mental Health Move initiative addresses these barriers by expanding services through multiple partner organizations while also improving community awareness of those resources. By supporting outreach, communications, and partnership coordination, the Fellow will help ensure that residents of the North End are informed about available mental health supports and opportunities for engagement. This work contributes to broader public health goals of improving mental wellbeing, strengthening community connections, and increasing access to behavioral health resources.

Project Deliverables: 

• Outreach and communications materials promoting mental health resources available through partner organizations
• Educational materials designed to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma
• Community outreach activities (e.g., distributing materials, engaging with local organizations and businesses)
• Coordination with partner organizations to gather and organize information about available services and programs
• Summary of outreach efforts and community connections developed during the internship

Minimum Qualifications: Students applying for this internship must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Computer proficiency is required.