NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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To better understand the challenges of people who work in or receive services from direct care and behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting a series of virtual feedback sessions starting Tuesday, June 6.
MDHHS has partnered with Health Management Associates and Public Sector Consultants to get feedback from stakeholders, caregivers and patients. Sessions will focus on identifying unique regional challenges and considering possible solutions to address those challenges.
“Through discussions with direct care workers, behavioral health professionals, employers and consumers we want to identify direct care and behavioral health workforce needs, examine the impact of workforce shortages and develop potential solutions to overcome these challenges,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This information will then be compiled and shared with policymakers as we work on solutions that could include enhancing pay, developing career pathways, prioritizing family supports, and implementing innovative training and retention practices.”
The following four sessions will be conducted via Zoom:
- Direct Care Worker Discussion Group – Tuesday, June 6, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
- Behavioral Health Discussion Group – Wednesday, June 7, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
- Consumer Discussion Group – Thursday, June 8, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
- Statewide Feedback Session – Wednesday, June 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
Other than the statewide session, discussion groups will be limited to 20 participants. To register for a virtual session, visit pscinc.co/workforce.
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