CA DHCS Awards New Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative Grantees
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Community Services Division awarded $3,379,705 to 14 new peer-run behavioral health (BH) organizations throughout the state as part of the second round of the Peer Workforce Investment (PWI) and Expanding Peer Organization Capacity (EPOC) projects. Five new PWI grantees received a total of $1,579,906 and nine new EPOC grantees received a total of $1,799,799 for these 19-month projects. The PWI and EPOC projects help peer organizations build their infrastructure and capacity to deliver peer recovery supports for individuals with mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The PWI project is focused on established peer organizations, while the EPOC project is focused on newer, emerging peer organizations.
The PWI and EPOC projects are part of DHCS’ Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD) initiative. The overarching goal of BHWD is to expand, elevate, enhance, and empower BH peer-run programs in every California community. Through program expansion and enhanced collaboration with health, social services, and other systems, peer-run programs can help California move closer to its goal of equity in BH services throughout every county in the state.
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. is proud to be the Administrative Entity for this program.