Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Friday, March 2, 2007

Action Plan for Behavioral Health Workforce Development Now Available

Dear Colleague:

The Annapolis Coalition on the Behavioral Health Workforce is pleased to announce the release of An Action Plan for Behavioral Health Workforce Development. This is the culmination of a two-year effort of work to create a national strategic plan to strengthen the mental health and addictions workforce. More than 5,000 individuals were engaged in the planning process. The plan is available for download without charge at the Coalition’s website (www.annapoliscoalition.org). In addition to the full plan, an Executive Summary is also available. The plan was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and can also be accessed through its website.

There has been widespread recognition of a national workforce crisis. It is characterized, in part, by problems of recruitment and retention; minimal workforce diversity; inadequate access to training; the questionable relevance and effectiveness of many educational programs; and a lack of cultural competence among those providing care. Until now, there was no single planning resource that encompassed workforce development for prevention, treatment, and recovery across the mental health and addiction sectors of this field. This Action Plan is designed to bridge those sectors and the traditional professional disciplines. Further, it addresses preparation and support of a workforce to meet the needs of persons across the lifespan. The Action Plan places major emphasis on expanded roles in the “workforce” for persons in recovery, youth, family members, and community coalitions in caring for themselves and as educators of the traditional workforce.

We urge you to access, read, and ACT on the plan. There are detailed implementation tables included in the document, which can serve as a blueprint for action by individuals, organizations, government agencies and community coalitions. There is a need for “all hands” to redouble their efforts to address this crisis. This Action Plan can inform those efforts.

We are disseminating the action plan broadly. Similarly, we encourage you to forward this e-mail message to colleagues who share your concerns about the workforce.

The Annapolis Coalition is committed to sustaining the momentum that has been generated on this critical issue. Via our website, we invite you to provide us with your feedback on the Action Plan and your recommendations for moving forward on this important agenda.

Sincerely,

THE ANNAPOLIS COALITION ON THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE

The Annapolis Coalition is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the development of the behavioral health workforce. The Coalition provides consultation and technical assistance to organizations and governments and can assist those seeking to implement the plan’s recommendations. More information about the Annapolis Coalition and its capabilities can be found by visiting www.annapoliscoalition.org.

Contributor: Don Phillips




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