E1D - Workforce Crisis — Short-term Emergency Response and Practical Strategies

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Gaylord National, Woodrow Wilson Ballroom A

Staff Moderator(s)

Brie Reimann, MPA

Assistant Vice President
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Denver, Colorado

Workshop Presenter(s)

Gina B. Lasky, PhD, MAPL

Principal
Health Management Associates
Denver, Colorado
Mary Shelton, MA

Director, Behavioral Health Services
Division of TennCare
Nashville, Tennessee
Matt Yancey, LCSW, MPA

Deputy Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Nashville, Tennessee
BJ

Brandon Jones

Mental health and substance use treatment organizations are struggling to meet the increase in demand for services due in large part to a national workforce shortage. A recent survey revealed that nearly all National Council for Mental Wellbeing member organizations surveyed, are experiencing difficulty recruiting and retaining employees due to occupational burnout from COVID-19, administrative barriers and historically low compensation rates. We will outline short-term recommendations and innovative solutions to address retention and recruitment issues, administrative burdens to care delivery and advance health equity.

Learning Objectives:

Compare how several states optimized new tools and resources to address the workforce crisis.
Identify practical solutions and guidance that can be customized to address the workforce crisis in your community and to advance health equity.
Engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of care delivery during an ongoing public health crisis.