LMU Extension was recently awarded $900,000 in grant funding by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) as a part of the Peer Personnel Training and Placement Program. The funds will be used to run the Peer-to-Peer Training Program, which will train 200 LMU students as peer support specialists.
The award highlights LMU’s strong academic reputation and its extensive experience in providing professional instruction in the areas of mental and behavioral health. The student population will consist of individuals who are 18 years of age or older from underserved and underrepresented populations who self-identify as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorders.
“The nationwide shortage of behavioral health professionals continues to have profound consequences on mental health services and poses a significant challenge for underserved and underrepresented groups,” said Carla Cortez, director of LMU Extension. “Our project aims to strengthen California’s Behavioral Health workforce, support statewide suicide prevention programs, and increase access and participation in mental health treatment for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Training will also be available to family members, caregivers, or those engaged in services to support individuals with mental health conditions. The program promotes the expansion of education and training programs to meet mental health occupational shortages in California and to ensure equitable access to mental health care for all.
“Through this initiative, we not only bolster California’s behavioral health workforce but also support a culture of inclusivity, ensuring equitable access to mental health care for all,” said David Sapp, LMU dean of Graduate Education. “LMU Extension’s mission-oriented, community-based programs reflect the intention of the work being done on and off our campus to further the service of faith and the promotion of justice.”
To read more about the mission-oriented work being done by LMU Extension, visit our newsroom or their website.