The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) administers the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. The 3-year grant is awarded to the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and overseen by the Office of Population Health and Improvement. 

State Opioid Response (SOR) workforce expansion projects provide specialized training, coaching and mentoring to increase diversity in the workforce through four universities, 3 of which are HBCU’s. 

The report is a needs assessment to inform the design of the Behavioral Health Workforce Investment Fund established by the Maryland legislature through Senate Bill 283. 

The workgroup will examine current social worker licensure requirements, and identify potential alternatives to the current examination and licensure process. 

The Commission on Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access was established in the 2023 legislative session (HB1148 - Ch 291 / SB582 - Ch 290). The Office of Population Health and Improvement participates in the Behavioral Health Workforce Development, Infrastructure, Coordination, and Financing Workgroup.