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Tampa Bay Thrives hosted a convening on October 4, 2022 at Collaborative Labs to address the growing need for behavioral healthcare and the lack of existing workforce capacity.

During the meeting, our expert panelists shared trends, policies and programs that are shaping responses to this crisis both nationally and locally. Stakeholders invited included traditional behavioral health, healthcare, education, academic, business, employment, and community agency leadership. 

National expert, Dr. Nancy Baum, Deputy Director for the University of Michigan’s Behavioral Health Workforce Research Center, served as keynote speaker. 

Other panelists included:

Lynda M. Leedy, J.D., Chief Administrative Officer of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County; Joe Santini, Director of Service Lines, Evara Health; and Dr. Karen van Cauhlil, CEO of Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value. 

The event inspired the formation of an advisory group that will guide the development of a strategic plan to address the specific needs of the community in the Tampa Bay area.