D2D - Policy Solutions to the Workforce Crisis

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Location: Gaylord National, Annapolis

Workshop Presenter(s)

Brian D. Banks, BA, MA

Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer
American Counseling Association
Alexandria, Virginia
Jonah Cunningham, MPP

President and CEO, Executive Director
National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD); National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH)
Washington, District of Columbia
Heather Jefferis

Executive Director
Oregon Council for Behavioral Health
Gladstone, Oregon

This panel will discuss the provider workforce shortage and potential policy solutions on Capitol Hill.

Identify key federal and state opportunities to bolster the mental health and substance use treatment workforce by enhancing recruitment and retention policies and programs.
Compare federal legislation addressing workforce shortages of specific professional types including peers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and more.
Determine the unique differences between rural and urban workforce shortages and identify federal, state and local solutions to addressing each.