Inaugural Event to Inspire Next Generation of Behavioral Health Professionals

Behavioral Health is a major concern in our communities and more professionals are needed in the workforce.

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, February 11, 2020 – The Northern Colorado Health Sector Partnership is proud to announce: Career Pathways in Behavioral Health: Explore, Connect, Engage, conference-style event. Event Information

“This event is such a great opportunity for students who are interested in investing their careers in the service of helping others. I’ve been the director of Human Resources for SummitStone Health Partners for nearly 20 years, and I can say we have never seen such a need for qualified candidates in the behavioral health profession,” said Diane Jesser, SPHR.

Behavioral Health Professionals from the State of Colorado and Weld and Larimer Counties will present to students from the University of Northern Colorado, Aims Community College, Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, and other area higher education institutions; sharing their career pathway stories, providing insight on how to reach their career goals, and interact one-on-one with students.

“We are excited to host Northern Colorado’s Health Sector Partnership’s first Career Pathways in Behavioral Health event.  This is a great opportunity for UNC students to learn about careers in behavioral health, an in-demand industry, and meet directly with behavioral health professionals.” Renee Welch, Director of UNC Center for Career Readiness

“Not only does this opportunity positively impact the career paths of students who attend, it gives our agency an opportunity to model to our next generation that we all have mental health – and it’s okay to talk about it.” Micaela Sanchez, Marketing and Public Relations Director, North Range Behavioral Health.

Behavioral Health Workforce Facts in Greeley

“The overall economic health of our city and region is very much reliant upon a thriving behavioral health sector.” Bryan Pederson, Economic Development Coordinator, Department of Economic Health and Housing, City of Greeley.

A lack of attention towards this segment of health care leads to increases in substance abuse, crime, fractured families and homelessness, which in turn contributes to a less productive workforce and overall economy.  Over the next 10 years, Offices of Mental Health Practitioners are projected to grow annually by 4.6% in Greeley, 4.1% in Colorado and 3.8% in the United States.  These projections far outpace the total – all industry annual growth projections of 2.1% in Greeley, 1.2% in Colorado and 0.5% in the United States.

The Northern Colorado Health Sector Partnership recognizes the City of Greeley as the event sponsor.  Other partners in the event are the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Columbine Health Systems, Northern Colorado Health Alliance, Summitstone Health Partners, North Range Behavioral Health, Clearview Behavioral Health, UCHealth – Mountain Crest, and Larimer County Behavioral Health

For event information:  unco.edu/career

 Look for “Career Pathways in Behavioral Health: Explore, Connect, Engage”