OR SB527

Oregon Health Authority shall award grants to local workforce development boards to establish behavioral health workforce training programs for high school students, with $3,500,000 appropriated from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium

Programs must be based on evidence from successful behavioral health workforce training models and provide culturally and linguistically specific training to students from underserved communities

Local workforce development boards must partner with education service districts, coordinated care organizations, local public health organizations, school districts, or the nine federally recognized Indian tribes to administer the programs

Grant funds may cover program development, student scholarships, and wraparound supports including technology resources, licensing fees, course materials, and sponsored internships

The grant program sunsets on January 2, 2029, and takes effect immediately upon passage as an emergency measure