The need for behavioral health professionals with specialized skills has never been greater. BHCore has two strategies to grow the number, skills and diversity of the state’s behavioral health workers.
First: BHCore is recruiting talented students from underserved communities into the crisis outreach and response field. This includes bachelor- and masters-level candidates in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, emergency medical technicians and related disciplines. As part of this effort, we are expanding the of number emergency and mental health agencies willing to train a new generation of behavioral health professionals.
Second: BHCore is developing a statewide training program for mental health professionals who treat first responders with work-related trauma. The rates of behavioral health issues and suicide among first responders in our state is alarmingly high. BHCore is recruiting retired first responders and others equipped with the knowledge and experience to help train mental health professionals working with first responders.
2026 annual co-response conference: a focus on well-being
From morning yoga and meditation plus additional sessions teaching personal wellness strategies, 190 co-responders came together on May 7 in Seattle for the fourth statewide co-response conference. BHCore partners with the Co-Responder Outreach Alliance (CROA) to hold the annual event. “Secondary trauma is not uncommon among co-responders, who like other first responders, support people facing extremely challenging life circumstances.,” says Jennifer Stuber, BHCore co-founder. “Co-responder well-being is a critical part of community care.”
Many thanks to everyone who made this conference a success and a special shoutout to our generous conference sponsors: Beacon Crisis Dispatch, Julota, Rainbow Health, Redwood Outdoors, Carelon, Boulder Care, North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization, Association of Washington Cities, and Northwest High Density Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).