September 2024

WELCOME TO BeHERE NV!

The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, and Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is a new workforce development initiative to increase the number of providers of behavioral health care in Nevada. In 2023, the Nevada Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 37 to create a statewide behavioral health workforce development center within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). In September 2023, the NSHE Board of Regents designated the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to serve as the administrative hub for BeHERE NV and to build connections across the state.

Updates from Ruby Kelly, Senior Grant Specialist

Earlier this summer, BeHERE NV was awarded an ARPA Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. BeHERE NV will receive $752,907 for two years to fund scholarships for students enrolled in Master’s level programs in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Clinical Mental Health Counseling at both University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and University of Nevada Reno (UNR). Over two years, BeHERE NV plans to fund scholarships for 24 students attending one of these programs as well as provide an opportunity for professional mentorship. Currently we are awarding and applying scholarship funding to a total of 12 UNLV and UNR graduate level students. Each of the graduate students receiving the scholarship are in the process of being assigned a community mentor in their respective fields. The initial meetings between the scholars and the mentors are being scheduled for the month of September. We look forward to introducing you to our BeHERE Scholars and mentors in the coming months!

YUHAN BI, B.A.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT

Yuhan Bi is a graduate assistant at BeHERE NV. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Yuhan is currently pursuing a Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy. Born and raised in China, Yuhan has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals from similar cultural backgrounds, especially regarding mental health resources and the stigma surrounding behavioral health. She is passionate about working with underserved communities, motivated by her personal experiences and a desire to contribute to solutions that address these gaps. Yuhan is excited to bring her background and perspective to BeHERE NV, hoping her work will support the mental health needs of Nevada’s diverse populations. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.

It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Dr. Sara Hunt, who has been awarded the Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy. This recognition, presented by APA President Cynthia de las Fuentes at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention in August, honors those psychologists whose advocacy efforts have made a profound impact on both the profession and society at large. Nominated by peers, Dr. Hunt was recognized for "...dedication and hard work on Assembly Bill 37 during the 2023 Nevada Legislative Session exemplify her commitment to advancing mental health initiatives, led to the creation of BeHERE NV—a behavioral health workforce development center within the Nevada System of Higher Education. Her hard work is a shining example of the power of advocacy and a huge step forward for mental health care in Nevada."

 Career Fair at Great Basin College Pahrump

Discovery Museum in Reno with Reed High School Career and Technical Education program in Human and Social Services

BeHERE NV and Dr. Miranda proudly engaged with students at last week’s career fair at Great Basin College Pahrump, discussing career and academic paths in behavioral and mental health. Dr. Manit also had the privilege of collaborating with Mrs. Roni Green and her Reed High School Career and Technical Education program in Human and Social Services at the Discovery Museum in Reno. During this enriching experience, students explored the "Mental Health: Mind Matters Exhibit," which featured interactive displays and powerful stories that shed light on the importance of mental well-being and the role we can all play in supporting it. This inspiring visit not only opened eyes to the critical issues surrounding mental health but also reinforced our commitment to making a difference in our communities.

The Northeast Career & Technical Academy is a new school in Las Vegas and they are looking for someone to teach magnet students about careers in social services, develop their skills for success in the field, and build self-efficacy and excitement for the professions. 

BeHERE NV recently visited the students in the Human and Social Services CTE program. As a brand new school, we found the new building to be bright and inspiring and we loved learning about the students' career "leafs." We were pleased to meet an engaged group of students who each stood up, introduced themselves, and asked really good questions about careers in this field. This teaching position is a great opportunity to help students navigate their interests and to learn about occupations in Human Services. Areas of study include Consumer Services, Counseling and Mental Health Services, Early Childhood Development and Services, Family and Community Services and Personal Care Services.  

Business and Industry teacher license requires at least 2 years of experience working in the social service, social work, or therapy professions. If you are not sure if this is the right fit for you, we encourage you to reach out and explore it anyway. The school will help with the licensing process. Plus, BeHERE NV is looking forward to partnering with NECTA and the new teacher of this program! Contact Nicole Delagado, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and CTE

The UNR Office of Statewide Initiatives, in contract with BeHERE NV, is seeking a Regional Project Coordinator to work with regional behavioral health boards across Nevada. This role involves assessing workforce needs, developing training programs in collaboration with healthcare education partners, and engaging with community stakeholders to promote workforce diversity.

To learn more about the position, please click the button below.

The UNR Office of Statewide Initiatives, in contract with BeHERE NV, is seeking a Data Analyst to lead behavioral health workforce research, analyze data, and prepare reports for stakeholders. Ideal candidates will excel in communicating insights, demonstrate strategic thinking, and show innovation in data collection. Collaboration skills are also essential for success in this role.

Apply now to join a collaborative and innovative team!

Funding available through State Opioid Response Grant!

The Bureau of Behavioral Health, Wellness and Prevention (BBHWP) is pleased to announce the availability of funding through the SOR 4 grant. This funding opportunity is in response to the urgent need to address the opioid and stimulant crisis plaguing Nevada’s communities.

Utilizing the latest SOR award, BBHWP is seeking applications from community stakeholders to support the state’s efforts to combat the opioid and stimulant epidemics and save lives.

The project period will run from January 1, 2025 through September 29, 2027. Budgets will need to be resubmitted annually for each year of the project.

To learn more about how to submit your application, visit the website link below.

Keep up with all of our latest updates by subscribing to our newsletter, and please share them with your contacts. We will be posting monthly updates on our progress and more on BeHERE NV. Don't forget to explore the February, March, April, May, June, July, and August edition of the BeHERE NV Newsletter. Can’t wait to have you along on this journey with us!

Funding for BeHERE NV was made possible by Assembly Bill 37 (2023, 82nd Nevada Legislative Session) and the Nevada System of Higher Education