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From Plan to Pipeline: Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce

Date

June 4, 2026

Featured Speaker

Andy Hall
President, Trailhead Strategies


Overview

Strengthening the behavioral health workforce requires more than identifying challenges—it requires building sustainable pathways into rewarding careers.

In this Learning Series session, Andy Hall shared updates on the Cook County Behavioral Health Apprenticeship and Retention Hub, highlighting progress to date and what it will take to continue expanding and sustaining the model. Participants also learned about Cook County's broader workforce strategy, including efforts to scale pre-apprenticeship programs, strengthen early entry pathways, and build supported career pathways that help individuals enter, grow, and remain in the behavioral health workforce.

Key Takeaways

  • Progress to date on the Cook County Behavioral Health Apprenticeship and Retention Hub

  • Strategies to expand and sustain the behavioral health workforce

  • Scaling pre-apprenticeship programs and strengthening early entry pathways

  • Building supported career pathways that enable individuals to enter, grow, and remain in behavioral health careers

  • How providers, educators, employers, and community partners can engage in apprenticeship and workforce initiatives

  • The shared role we all play in building a workforce that meets the needs of Cook County communities

Participants left with a clearer understanding of Cook County's workforce strategy, opportunities to engage, and the actions needed to help grow and sustain the behavioral health workforce.

Resources

Watch the Webinar

Presentation Slides

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July 30

The Use of AI and Digital Technology in Behavioral Health: A Conversation with the Experts

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June 22

The Value of Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration