Grant from CareSource will help Integrated Services elevate the Behavioral Health workforce in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio (CARESOURCE) – Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (ISBH), a nonprofit behavioral health provider in central and southeast Ohio, announced it received a $533,000 contribution from CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, to help its employees become certified Community Health Workers, with a special focus on behavioral health education. CareSource will also provide support to ISBH as it helps its employees pursue the advanced training. 

“The investment from CareSource will be truly transformational for our region,” said Sam Shafer, chief executive officer of ISBH. “Expanding access to the Community Health Worker training program enriches the skills and knowledge of our care providers as well as supports positive health outcomes for all those living in our communities.”

The Community Health Worker certificate is issued by the Ohio Board of Nursing and prepares individuals to screen and educate clients and patients about a variety of health issues to break down barriers they may have to accessing needed health care. Training content includes information about social determinants of health, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, chronic disease management and working with diverse populations.

ISBH partnered with CareSource, Ohio University, and the OHIO Alliance for Population Health to bring the training and certification program to its employees in the southeast Ohio region. With this new training, ISBH employees will be able to apply new, elevated skills in a behavioral health context to better help those in need.

“CareSource is dedicated to developing behavioral health career pathways to grow and further develop the workforce,” said Stephanie Stitt, director, Behavioral Health Provider Relations & Initiatives. “We are excited to partner with ISBH to implement this Community Health Worker training program to support individuals’ career development and improve the health of the community.”

Last month the first cohort of Community Health Workers were recognized for completing the 100-hour coursework portion of the program. These individuals will continue their journey to Community Health Worker certification by completing 130 clinical hours in the field.

For more information about Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, visit isbh.org.

About Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (ISBH)

Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (ISBH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health and social services across 21 counties in southeastern and central Ohio. Our mission is to promote well-being and recovery through a range of integrated services that address mental health, addiction, housing, and community support needs. Serving over 15,000 individuals annually, ISBH is committed to delivering person-centered care that strengthens families, empowers communities, and improves quality of life for those we serve.

ISBH offers a diverse array of services, including Intensive Home-Based Behavioral Health treatments, housing supports for those facing housing instability, and Behavioral Health Medicine to address the complex needs of individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Our innovative programs also include youth and family residential services, out-of-school time programming, recovery housing, and substance use disorder (SUD) services.

At ISBH, we are dedicated to fostering community well-being through a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to thrive.

For more information, visit www.isbh.org or contact us at info@isbh.org.