Walla Walla University has named Deisy Haid ’10, dean and associate professor of the School of Social Work and Sociology, as the recipient of the 2025 Walla Walla University Community Service Award. This award recognizes her leadership and dedication as board chair of the Blue Mountain Health Cooperative (BMHC), a non-profit organization providing free, walk-in mental health services to those in need.
BMHC operates in Walla Walla as a student-run clinic, offering accessible and immediate care to individuals who lack insurance or face financial barriers to counseling. The clinic is primarily staffed by Master of Social Work (MSW) students from WWU, with additional support from undergraduate students and interns from other local programs. Haid, along with several other licensed clinicians, supervise the students and are available to step into sessions if needed.
In early 2020, Alayna Britton and Melissa Adams, two licensed social workers in the community, asked Haid to join their team and work as a board member and consultant in launching the clinic. Since then, Haid stepped into the role of board chair, and under her leadership, the clinic has become a vital resource for the community, ensuring that mental health support is readily available to individuals seeking immediate care.
Despite her integral role, Haid admits that being recognized for her efforts feels surreal. “I didn’t tell many people at first,” said Haid. “But I appreciate the acknowledgement, and more than anything, I’m proud of what our students have accomplished.”
Haid will be honored at the 2025 Awards Celebration CommUnity on April 25, 2025. For more information on BMHC, please visit bluemountainhealthcooperative.org, and to keep up with the social work department, go to wallawalla.edu/social-work.
Posted Feb. 12, 2025.
