Virtual Panel: Addressing Behavioral Health Workforce Capacity in Washington

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with UW School of Nursing, hosted a virtual roundtable on behavioral health workforce capacity on December 13 at 4:00 p.m. PST.

About this event

Nurses have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and have seen firsthand the resulting capacity crisis affecting the health care system in Washington State. While the impacts of this crisis on physical care can be more easily seen, the pandemic has exposed and amplified its impact on behavioral health as well. As more and more people begin to understand the importance of treating the whole patient – beyond just their physical health – this panel explored the important role nurses have played in addressing behavioral health needs exacerbated by the pandemic and how a partnership between MolinaCares and the University of Washington School of Nursing will continue to build on that work through a new curriculum for Family and Psychiatric Primary Care nurses.

Panelists included:

Sue Birch, Director, Washington State Health Care Authority

Representative Eileen Cody, Chair, Washington House of Representatives Health Care and Wellness Committee

Dr. Azita Emami, Executive Dean, University of Washington School of Nursing

Dr. Jay Fathi, Plan President and CEO, Molina Healthcare of Washington

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