515-BHWE Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center
Funds a statewide academic consortium to recruit, train, and retain diverse behavioral health professionals in Illinois, addressing workforce barriers and supporting underserved communities.
Funder: Illinois Department of Human Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027: Full application packet due | April 2027: FY27 budget entry and electronic signature in CSA Tracking System due | April 2027: FY27 Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) submission deadline in GATA Grantee Portal
Funding Amounts: Estimated $4,436,653 per award; 12-month term; typically 1 award annually.
Summary: Supports a statewide academic consortium to strengthen Illinois’ behavioral health workforce through recruitment, training, and retention initiatives.
Key Information: Non-competitive renewal; only current awardees or those notified to apply are eligible.
Description
This opportunity funds the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center, a collaborative initiative led by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The Center uses a hub-and-spoke model, coordinated by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and University of Illinois Chicago, to recruit, educate, and retain behavioral health professionals across Illinois. The program aims to address structural and policy barriers, increase the number and diversity of behavioral health workers, enhance primary care providers’ capacity to address behavioral health and substance use, and prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Activities include workforce data collection, training, education, and support for underserved communities through a statewide academic consortium.
