By Eric Burden | December 20, 2017
Project LIFT (Leadership Initiatives for Tomorrow) is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) initiative that enhances the leadership and technical competencies of emerging behavioral health leaders. The Project also includes a health information technology (HIT) component that facilitates the exchange of electronic health records (EHRs) for individuals with behavioral health conditions, while providing options to safeguard the confidentiality of their sensitive health data. These initiatives are designed to prepare the emerging workforce to be health reform ready and culturally competent to serve vulnerable populations and communities. I completed the program in September of 2015, coordinating a final project among members from all over the country. We produced a set of educational materials aimed at promoting recruitment and retention in the behavioral health workforce.