Ohio Launches Wellness Workforce Drive to Tackle Behavioral Health Shortage

The demand for behavioral health services continues to outpace the number of professionals in the field, leaving more than 2.4 million Ohioans without access to care. To close this gap, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) announced the launch of a new recruitment campaign to grow and strengthen the field, referenced in the campaign as Ohio's Wellness Workforce.

"If you are passionate about helping others live up to their full potential, then the behavioral health field is for you," said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. "We want Ohioans to know this is a broad and growing field, with job openings in more than 120 career paths right now across the state."

Behavioral health is a key part of overall health. It refers to mental distress, mental health conditions, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and substance use. Research shows that approximately 40% of Ohioans live with behavioral health disorder and the demand for services has increased by more than 350%.

The campaign features real Ohio professionals and students who share why they were drawn to the field and encourages others to pursue a career helping those in need. Growing and strengthening the behavioral health workforce is a priority for OhioHMAS, with work underway to increase career readiness, support recruitment and retention, and enhance contemporary practice for Ohio's behavioral health professionals.

"The health and success of Ohio communities is dependent on a strong behavioral health workforce," said Cornyn. "We want young people to see the power of compassion and caring. We also want people who are thinking about a career change to know these opportunities exist."

"Meeting the demand for behavioral healthcare workers will lead to not only a rewarding and fulfilling career for more Ohioans, but also a stronger, healthier state," said ODHE Chancellor Mike Duffey. "I commend all of our higher education institutions that are working to address this need and prepare our future workforce."

The Wellness Workforce awareness initiative is the latest effort to recruit and retain more professionals in the field. Other initiatives include:

• Great Minds Fellowship: In partnership with Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Great Minds Fellowship provided financial support to students within two years of graduation in behavioral health-related fields, jump-starting their careers and contributing to Ohio's workforce.  
• Welcome Back Campaign: The Welcome Back Campaign incentivizes seasoned behavioral health workers to return to direct service roles in Ohio communities, leveraging their expertise to address current needs;
• Behavioral Health Workforce Technical Assistance (BHW-TAC): The center is a professional development resource to help individuals enter and advance their careers in behavioral health.
• Behavioral Health Workforce Grant Program: OhioMHAS recently awarded more than $820,000 to support 10 local projects that increase career awareness, recruitment and retention of Ohio mental health and addiction professionals. 

"Behavioral health offers rewarding and sustainable career opportunities," said Cornyn. "We know that the Wellness Workforce Campaign will open doors for a stronger and healthier Ohio."