Original Webinar Date: 02/20/2020

As our population becomes increasingly diverse, mental health organizations and providers see the value of employing diverse staff that reflect the people they serve. The Pacific Southwest MHTTC has developed a self-assessment instrument to help mental health organizations identify and implement workforce diversity strategies in six critical areas. This presentation recording highlights the importance of increasing workforce diversity for achieving health equity. Presenters briefly outline the purpose of the six areas in strengthening workforce diversity. Then participants had the opportunity to complete the tool and explore the different aspects of each area. This recording is geared towards those in mental health organizations who are interested in assessing the importance of a culturally responsive workforce and taking action.

Viewers will:

• Explore the importance and benefits of a diverse workforce in effectively addressing mental health disparities for community populations.
• Describe the critical components needed to assess the successes and challenges for mental health organizations in building a diverse workforce.
• Identify how your organization is doing in each area and overall to identify areas of focus.
• Identify action steps to address areas where organizations are more limited and incorporate these action steps into an existing organizational plan (e.g., strategic, cultural competency, or diversity plan).