Oregon Health Authority Community Leadership Council Announcement

Apr 10

The following email was sent to all therapists in Oregon by our licensing board, the OBLPCT.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is seeking applicants to serve on the Community Leadership Council for the Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative. In June 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2949. The goal of the legislation is 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 OHA will provide technical, logistical and all other necessary supports to the council.

OHA is committed to sharing power with the communities we serve and working together to transform our behavioral health system. By co-creating solutions alongside community members, we will achieve our goal of eliminating health inequities by the year 2030. People with lived experience of behavioral health needs and people from communities disproportionately 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. 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;