San Diego County To Invest $75 Million In New Mental Health Care Training Program - WNY Labor Today

Summary

San Diego County is investing $75 million in a new mental health care training program called ELEVATE, approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2023. This initiative aims to increase local behavioral health staffing through various training programs, including apprenticeships, to address a significant shortage of mental health workers in the region.

With a projected need for 18,500 additional mental health care workers by 2027, this program not only targets immediate staffing challenges but also seeks to establish a sustainable model for mental health care training that could serve as an example for other regions across the nation.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This investment in apprenticeships for mental health care training highlights a proactive approach to workforce development in a critical field. By increasing the availability of trained professionals, the program aims to improve access to mental health care, which is essential for community well-being.