DATE:
October 11, 2022
10
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADDRESSING THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKER SHORTAGE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego (County) is facing a significant behavioral health worker shortage. Today, we lack 8,100 behavioral health workers to meet the current demand. By 2027, it is estimated we will need a total of 18,500 behavioral health workers. This forecast takes into consideration current workforce recruitment and retention projections and anticipated growth in demand. Our behavioral health workers serve some of our most vulnerable populations along the behavioral health continuum of care and range from peer support specialists to psychiatrists.
A recent report conducted by the San Diego Workforce Partnership, "Addressing San Diego's Behavioral Health Worker Shortage" (Attachment A), commissioned by Chair Nathan Fletcher, discovered that San Diego regional behavioral health workers are paid less than their counterparts in most California counties, and are leaving the San Diego workforce. Although many behavioral health workers report they love their profession, many elements such as low compensation, burdensome documentation, inaccessible educational opportunities, and stress on the job are pushing workers out of the region and profession.
Given the heightened need for behavioral health workers to address the local substance use, mental health, and homelessness crisis, it is imperative the region implement policies to build and sustain the workforce. A year-long report by San Diego Workforce Partnership provides San Diego with an understanding of the worker shortage and outlines potential solutions for how to recruit, train, and retain behavioral health workers in the region. Today's action recommends the County adopt solutions outlined in the report to address this crisis. We urge your support.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHAIR NATHAN FLETCHER AND SUPERVISOR LAWSON-REMER
Direct the Chie...
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