LOC News
OHA Seeks Applicants for Community Leadership Council on Behavioral Health Workforce
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is seeking applicants to serve on the Community Leadership Council for its Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative. In June , the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2949 to provide incentives and grants to increase the recruitment and retention of people of color, tribal members, and/or residents of rural areas in the state into the behavioral health workforce, in order to provide culturally responsive care. The council will lead the initiative’s work, and the OHA will provide technical, logistical and all other necessary supports to the council.
The OHA is committed to sharing power with the communities it serves and working together to transform Oregon’s behavioral health system. By co-creating solutions alongside community members, the OHA will achieve its goal of eliminating health inequities by the year 2030. People with lived experience of behavioral health needs and people from communities proportionately impacted by health inequities will be central to this work and are eagerly encouraged to apply.
Members of the council will serve for two years. Members who are not paid by an employer to serve on the council will be provided a stipend to compensate them for their time. Members will need to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and excuse themselves from decisions where appropriate.
The OHA invites applications from people who represent the following perspectives:
- People who experience racism or racial injustice;
- Residents of underserved or rural areas;
- Equity advocates or professionals;
- Bilingual or non-English speakers;
- Representatives of federally recognized tribes;
- People with lived experience with mental health;
- People with lived experience with substance use, problem gambling, and/or addiction;
- Culturally specific peers and traditional health workers;
- Workers in the field of substance use, problem gambling, and/or addiction;
- Workers in the field of mental health;
- Workers in the field of post-secondary/adult education;
- Workers in K-12 education;
- Academic researchers in equity, behavioral health, and/or workforce; and
- People who experience challenges with joining and/or advancing professionally in the behavioral workforce.
Please fill out the below application by October 25. A team at the OHA will review applications and inform applicants of appointments by November 4. The council will start meeting the week of November 12.
For questions or more information, email BH.WorkforceInitiative@dhsoha.state.or.us.
Last Updated 10/8/21