The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) recently closed its first application window for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that will help the state develop its behavioral health workforce.
BHECN, which serves as the state’s behavioral health workforce development center and is administered at UNMC, received 194 applications totaling nearly $50 million in requested funds.
“We had a tremendous response from Nebraska organizations and providers for this initial funding cycle, which demonstrates the dire need for more behavioral health resources across Nebraska,” said Marley Doyle, MD, director of BHECN. “This unmet need, which existed long before the pandemic, has only grown since spring 2020.”
The Nebraska Legislature allocated $25.5 million in ARPA funding to BHECN earlier this year. BHECN, in turn, will award the money through a competitive application process.
“The ARPA funds will address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of behavioral health professionals across the state,” said Jessie Buche, administrator for the BHECN ARPA program. “Ultimately, we look forward to seeing how these funds impact and improve the health and well-being of Nebraskans.”
Each application will undergo a rigorous review process, which will determine the amount of funding allocated during the first round. If funding is available, a second round of applications will be opened in January 2023.
Applications for the BHECN ARPA funds span four categories:
- Behavioral health training opportunities,
- Telebehavioral health support in rural areas,
- Behavioral health workforce projects for students and behavioral health professionals, and;
- Funding for licensed behavioral health supervisors currently employed in Nebraska.
Independent review committees will review the applications, and awards will be announced thereafter.
To learn more about the awards, visit the BHECN website.