Federal Investment Expands College’s Community Health Efforts by Deepening and Strengthening Access to Critical Unmet Mental Health Care Needs
BARSTOW, Calif., Feb. 23, 2026 – Barstow Community College (BCC) has been awarded $750,000 in federal funding to expand its Rural Mental Health Services Program and increase access to unmet mental health care needs in Barstow and surrounding rural communities.
Mental health services and resources remain limited, particularly in rural areas and in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth and young adults continue to face serious mental health challenges, and this funding will provide the College additional resources to respond to those needs in a stronger and more sustainable way.
Through this award, BCC will continue and expand its Rural Mental Health Services Program with a focus on youth and adults. The funding will allow the College to increase access to programs and services:
- Increase access to in-person and telehealth counseling
- Expand outreach into rural and hard-to-reach communities
- Strengthen addiction counseling and prevention programs
- Provide fentanyl awareness and substance abuse education
- Partner with local K-12 school districts and community organizations
- Offer culturally and linguistically responsive services
“This funding is transformative for our students and our community,” said Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President of Barstow Community College. “Rural communities often face unique barriers to accessing mental health care. This investment allows us to expand services, reach more families, and ensure that our students have the support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”
This award also builds on Barstow Community College’s recent partnership with the Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation through the Vibrant Villages Barstow initiative. Vibrant Villages is a three-year, community-led effort focused on improving health and quality of life in Barstow. Through this partnership, BCC is working alongside local organizations, leaders, and residents to create long-term solutions that support students and families.
In 2022, Barstow Community College received the Active Minds Healthy Campus Award for its proactive stance on mental health and well-being.
In September 2020, Barstow Community College opened The Mindful Space, the campus mental health counseling center, which started seeing students virtually via telephone and video sessions at no cost to the student. Now The Mindful Space provides, both in-person and virtually, individual psychotherapy, coaching, group therapy, mental health assessment, crisis intervention, consultations, referrals to additional services in the community, and disciplinary intervention to students with grant funding.
By securing this federal funding, the College strengthens its overall health and wellness strategy while continuing to focus on key priorities, including expanding rural mental health services. Together, these efforts reflect BCC’s broader commitment to building a healthier community.
"This grant is a milestone in our efforts here at Barstow Community College to assist students as well as our rural community in meeting the challenges of mental health and substance use/abuse. This will allow us to expand our reach and support as we know that if mental health and substance use/abuse is met with a holistic model then people can recover and heal. This also allows for personal growth and allows the college to meet the challenges of an ever-changing workforce here in our rural area. We look forward to what the future holds, and we know that this grant will allow us to continue to serve our community," said Dr. Christa Banton, Professor/Mental Health Counselor.
The investment marks an important step forward in ensuring that rural communities are not left behind when it comes to mental health care. Barstow Community College is committed to strengthening student well-being, expanding access to critical services, and working alongside community partners to build a healthier future for Barstow and the surrounding region.
Senator Padilla issued an announcement of this Barstow Community College investment alongside other Inland Empire projects that can be found here.
About Barstow Community College
Barstow Community College (BCC) is a two-year public college in California’s High Desert serving students from Barstow and surrounding communities, including Lenwood, Newberry Springs, Yermo, and Baker. BCC offers academic transfer programs, career education, and workforce training aligned with regional needs, as well as support services for military personnel and their families through its Fort Irwin center. Learn more at: www.barstow.edu
Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Barstow Community College
2700 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
Phone: (760) 252-6727
Email: asimpson@barstow.edu
