The MolinaCares Accord Supports University of Nevada Reno with $225,000 to Enhance Behavioral Health and Workforce Development Initiatives

RENO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Nevada (“Molina”), has partnered with University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine (“UNR Med”) to improve behavioral health and workforce development across the state. A $150,000 grant established an endowed lectureship in health care policy, while $75,000 is helping to facilitate an immersive program at the Betty Ford Center for medical students across all specialties so they are better equipped to address the needs of those recovering from addiction.

“Introducing students to addiction medicine through this immersive experience has the power to change the trajectory of care across all specialties,” said Timothy Baker, M.D., vice dean at UNR Med. “Programs like this support our mission to train the next generation of physicians to enter the workforce in Nevada and provide knowledgeable and compassionate care. We are grateful for the generous MolinaCares grant and the opportunity to join forces as we strive to increase access to specialty and behavioral health services for all Nevadans.”

Nevada exceeds the national average in substance use disorders. Expanding behavioral health knowledge among physicians across all specialties is critical to addressing this crisis. To help bridge this gap, the immersive program at the Betty Ford Center provides a transformative, week-long experience in Rancho Mirage, California, giving them firsthand insight into the lives of individuals in recovery and the complexity of treating addiction. The program helps students refine their skills as patient-centered physicians – an essential area to develop as part of their medical education.

“This experience redefined what kind of healer I want to become,” said Catherine Ung, a third-year medical student who attended the program in 2025. “It reminded me that medicine isn’t just about treating symptoms – it’s about meeting people where they are, especially in their most fragile moments.”

The program blends evidence-based learning with direct interactions and reflective conversations with individuals in recovery. Through this program, students deepen their understanding of substance use disorders, challenge stigmas, and gain insight into the science and human realities of addiction.

“We know that access to specialty care is critical so it’s important that we do all we can to enhance the workforce in this area,” said Rob Baughman, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Nevada. “Our commitment is to help grow the number of providers available so that we can build stronger, healthier communities statewide.”

About The MolinaCares Accord

Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.

About Molina Healthcare of Nevada

Molina Healthcare of Nevada, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Nevada. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Nevada, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.