What role can technology play in improving access to mental health and substance use services, particularly in underserved communities? How can the stigma surrounding mental health act as an obstacle for mental health support providers?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Blanca Campos, CEO of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association (CBHA). Blanca discusses:

• How CBHA represents community-based mental health and substance use support providers, primarily working with Medicaid-eligible clients of all ages.
• How member agencies are nonprofits contracting with the state of Illinois.
• How the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for behavioral health 
• The historical underfunding of behavioral health systems.
• How agencies face challenges in competitive funding and staffing due to inadequate reimbursement rates.
• The importance of maintaining strong partnerships with the government and stakeholders.
• CBHA’s efforts to address the need for competitive salaries and supporting providers to strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce.
• How Blanca’s mentor, Marvin Lindsey, exposed her to all facets of CBHA’s operations, including political dynamics, stakeholder relationships, and administrative responsibilities.
• How CBHA’s annual conference is growing alongside the association.
• How CBHA is tackling mental health and substance use stigma and creating a dialogue around them.
• CBHA’s advocacy for mental health parity: viewing mental health as equally important as physical health.
• The importance of leading by example in supporting staff’s mental health by encouraging vacations and mental health breaks, and creating a safe space for employees to express needs without fear of judgment.

References:

• CBHA Website