Behavioral Health Workforce Development Fund RFP open for submissions

Monday, October 9, 2023

Media Contact: Melani Hamilton | Managing Director of Marketing and Communications | 918-561-8462 | melani.hamilton@okstate.edu

In order to increase Tulsa’s offering of behavioral health services and achieve long-term local retention of behavioral health professionals, Oklahoma State University Medical Authority (OSUMA) has established a one-time grant program to launch or support initiatives that recruit or train behavioral health clinicians and other behavioral health staff working in the City of Tulsa.

A request for proposals is now open as OSUMA seeks applications from higher education institutions, CareerTech and mental health treatment provider organizations that seek to establish or expand recruitment or training efforts. Total funding available from state appropriations is $1 million with a maximum one-time award of $500,000. The number of awards possible is unrestricted until the total funding amount has been exhausted.

Funding received may be used for recruitment of behavioral health professionals from outside the State of Oklahoma, including relocation costs, hiring bonuses, tuition assistance and loan repayment agreements.

Funding may also apply to financial incentives or programs to recruit and train behavioral health treatment personnel not currently working in the behavioral health profession, upskilling those currently working in the behavioral health profession, or adding behavioral health personnel to implement integrated behavioral health programs. Any programs resulting in new or higher levels of certification or licensure for existing behavioral health treatment personnel are also potential funding recipients.

“Mental health challenges are a growing crisis in our city and across the nation,” said Eric Polak, CEO of the OSU Medical Authority and Trust. “And professionals who can provide needed services are in short supply. Through this grant, we seek to increase long-term retention of behavioral health personnel in Tulsa as well as increase the services provided in our city.”

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 15, 2023 by mail or electronically. View and download the complete RFP here.