The Council will specifically focus on four overarching goals: addressing the worker shortage identified in the talent assessment report, preventing the loss of workers at high risk of turnover, increasing the cultural competency and diversity of the workforce, and improving recruitment and retention for providers serving Oregon Health Plan members.
The Behavioral Health Talent Assessment identified key factors driving the current crisis, including shortages of qualified workers particularly in rural areas, recruitment and retention challenges for organizations serving Oregon Health Plan members, and high turnover rates influenced by inadequate compensation, safety concerns, high caseloads, and insufficient support systems. The Council will develop recommended action plans based on the assessment and develop detailed strategies, milestones, timelines, and potential legislative and investment proposals necessary for implementation for consideration by the Governor.
Council Members
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Chair Aimee Kotek Wilson - First Lady of Oregon
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Vice-Chair Julie Ibrahim - Chief Executive Officer, New Narrative
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Vice-Chair Eli Kinsley - Director of Operations, Bridgeway Community Health
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Vice-Chair Robin Sansing -
Behavioral Health Initiative Director, Southern Oregon University
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Todd Younkin - Executive Director, MHRA
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Rachel Prusak - Executive Director, Oregon State Board of Nursing
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Julia Pontoni - Office of Workforce Investments Director, HECC
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Ebony Clarke - Behavioral Health Division Director, OHA
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Van Burnham - Executive Director, MHACBO
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Rick Treleaven - Chief Executive Officer, BestCare Treatment Services, Inc.
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Clarissa Carson - MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Rogue Community Health
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Sommer Wolcott - Executive Director, OnTrack Rogue Valley
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Jamie Vandergon - Chief Executive Officer, Trillium Family Services
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Liz O'Connor - Triager, Cascadia Project Respond
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Julia Mines - Executive Director, Miracles Club
Janie Gullickson - Executive Director, MHAAO
Tammi S. Paul - Executive Director, Oregon Family Support Network
Shyra Merila-Simmons - Executive Director, Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare
Bethany M. Wallace - Portland State University
Alice Gates, PhD - Associate Professor of Public Health, OHSU-PSU
Mary Peterson, PhD - Provost, George Fox
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Monica Vines - Program Director for Addiction Counseling and Behavioral Health, Central Oregon Community College
Council Meetings
Council members will attend meetings virtually. Per public meeting law, members of the public may stream meetings live or view them retroactively following the link below.
Meeting Materials