The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Region III (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV), Howard University School of Social Work and The Catholic University of America National Catholic School of Social Service hosted the Advancing Equity in Behavioral Health Access, Workforce and Policy Summit at the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center on Monday, April 25, 2022. The purpose of the summit was to discuss behavioral health equity issues and what health professions schools should be doing to address the increasing needs in the areas of access, workforce and policy. SAMHSA (2022) defines behavioral health equity as the right to access quality health care for all populations regardless of the individual’s race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or geographical location. This includes access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for mental and substance use disorders. (SAMHSA, 2022)
The summit hosted over 35 participants that included some of the DMV’s top social workers, administrators, and academics to discuss behavioral health equity issues. The hosts included our own NCSSS Dean Jo Ann Regan, PhD, MSW, Jean Bennett, PhD, MSN, Regional Administrator, SAMHSA Region 3, Sandra Crewe, PhD, MSW, Dean, Howard University School of Social Work. Our speakers included: Dr. Mary Roary, Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and an Adjunct Professor at The Catholic University of America, Barbara J. Bazron, PhD, Director of the Department of the Behavioral Health appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and several panels of social workers from various agencies in DC. We also had representatives from Gallaudet University, University of the District of Columbia, Trinity Washington University, Ascension Health Foundation, The Danya Institute and the Council on Social Work Education.