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by Amanda Donovan, Marketing & Communications Manager

The Governor has established the Behavioral Health Talent Council, chaired by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, bringing together 22 experts to tackle Oregon’s behavioral health workforce crisis head-on. The Council is developing comprehensive recommendations to address worker shortages, reduce turnover, build career pathways, and improve access to mental health and addiction services across our state. Follow the progress of this work on Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook. From listening sessions with rural and culturally specific providers to frontline voices sharing their experiences, you’ll get an inside look at how the Council is working to create sustainable careers that support both providers and the communities they serve. Join the conversation and help amplify this important work by following, sharing, and engaging with the First Lady’s posts about the Behavioral Health Talent Council.

Oregon is taking a critical step in addressing its pressing behavioral health workforce crisis by establishing the Behavioral Health Talent Council. Chaired by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, this initiative, announced by Governor Tina Kotek, signifies a strong commitment to strengthening the state’s mental health and addiction services. The Council’s mission is to develop comprehensive recommendations to tackle worker shortages, reduce turnover, build clear career pathways, and improve access to vital behavioral health care across Oregon. Their dedicated efforts aim to deliver a recommended workforce action plan by January 31, 2026.

The Crisis at Hand: Understanding Oregon’s Behavioral Health Challenges

Oregon has been grappling with a significant behavioral health workforce crisis. Key factors driving this crisis include widespread shortages of qualified workers, particularly in rural areas, and persistent challenges in recruiting and retaining providers, especially those serving Oregon Health Plan members. High turnover rates are also a significant concern, often influenced by issues such as inadequate compensation, safety concerns, heavy caseloads, and insufficient support systems. The Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, commissioned by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), has shed light on these critical issues, providing a foundation for the Council’s work.

A United Front: The Composition and Goals of the Council

The Behavioral Health Talent Council is a diverse 22-member group of experts from various backgrounds, including direct service providers, healthcare administrators, licensing authorities, educational institutions, and professionals with lived experience in behavioral health careers. First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson leads this formidable group, supported by three vice-chairs: Julie Ibrahim, CEO of New Narrative; Eli Kinsley, Director of Operations at Bridgeway Community Services; and Robin Sansing, Behavioral Health Initiative Director at Southern Oregon University.

Voices from the Front Lines: Listening Sessions and Community Engagement

A crucial aspect of the Council’s work involves active engagement with those directly impacted by the crisis. This includes conducting listening sessions with rural and culturally specific providers and incorporating insights from frontline voices who share their experiences. This commitment ensures that the Council’s recommendations are informed by the realities faced by both providers and clients, with the ultimate goal of fostering sustainable careers that benefit both the caregivers and the communities they serve. As Eli Kinsley, one of the Vice Chairs, emphasizes, effective behavioral health systems require structural support and community connection.

Building a Sustainable Future: Key Strategies and Pathways

The Council is developing comprehensive recommendations, including detailed strategies, milestones, timelines, and potential legislative and investment proposals for the Governor’s consideration. Their work will address the root causes of the workforce crisis, focusing on solutions for inadequate compensation, safety concerns, high caseloads, and insufficient support systems within the behavioral health field.

Join the Conversation: How You Can Support This Vital Work

The success of the Behavioral Health Talent Council relies heavily on public awareness and engagement. You can follow the progress of this vital work on social media platforms like Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook. Engaging with the First Lady’s posts about the Council by following, sharing, and interacting helps to amplify this important message and contribute to a healthier Oregon.

Hope and Progress for a Healthier Oregon

Establishing the Behavioral Health Talent Council marks a significant turning point in Oregon’s efforts to address its behavioral health workforce crisis. With dedicated leadership, a diverse group of experts, and a commitment to gathering insights from the front lines, the Council is poised to develop impactful solutions to strengthen the state’s behavioral health system and ensure that all Oregonians have access to the quality, affordable care they deserve.