THE DALLES — A workforce development consortium was recently formed to foster educational and career development opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the behavioral health field.

Greater Oregon Behavioral Health Inc. created the group, which includes mental health providers, addiction specialists and governing bodies, as well as tribal representatives and various accreditation agencies.

According to a press release from Julie Leutschaft, GOBHI’s chief human resources officer, the purpose of the consortium is to share ideas and implement strategies to address the shortage of behavioral health professionals in Eastern Oregon communities.

GOBHI and the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, the release said, have made significant financial investments to support education and career opportunities. Those efforts include funding a grant with New Directions Northwest to promote the development and certification of peer support specialists as well as a partnership with Eastern Oregon University to provide behavioral health scholarships. Also, the GOBHI Network created a behavioral health careers website where community partners can post jobs at www.bhcareers.org.

The Workforce Development Consortium meets monthly in a virtual setting. For information about how to participate, contact Leutschaft at jleutschaft@gobhi.org.