9th Cohort of BH Fellows Begins Journey as Part of Regional Effort to Strengthen Behavioral Health Workforce
Type: News
Focus Area: Workforce Development
On February 18, JHF welcomed 24 newly selected fellows into the ninth cohort of the BH Fellows program, launching their two-year commitment to expand their networks, grow in their skills and capacity, and ultimately help to strengthen behavioral health services across the region.
The newest fellows join a growing network of more than 170 professionals working to expand access to high-quality behavioral health care. Representing diverse roles, including crisis clinicians, substance use disorder case managers, family-based clinicians, and community treatment team members, from organizations such as Pittsburgh Mercy, Resolve, Southwood Psychiatric Hospital UPMC, and Wesley Family Services, the cohort brings renewed energy to a workforce facing critical shortages.
Fellows are selected by a review committee of regional leaders in behavioral health, including Aurelia Carter of Community Care Behavioral Health, Indea Hamlin of Allegheny Family Network, Melissa Medice of Allegheny County Department of Human Services (ACDHS), Stefanie Small of Jewish Family & Community Services, and Mike Zylinski of ACDHS.
“Being a member of the BH Fellows application review committee is such a joy! To read about and then to meet caring professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of people we serve is priceless,” Carter said of her service on the committee.
The cohort’s opening retreat at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featured a presentation by its president and CEO Richard V. Piacentini on the powerful connection between nature and mental health. This underlined the measurable benefits of connecting with nature, reinforcing the BH Fellows program’s emphasis on holistic well-being for both participants and those they serve.
Launched in 2023 by ACDHS in partnership with JHF, Community Care Behavioral Health, and Community Family Advocates, the BH Fellows program was created to address urgent workforce gaps. The program combines leadership development, peer support, and a two-year service commitment to fulfil critical roles. Fellows are eligible for up to $45,000 in student loan repayment; more than $830,000 has already been distributed to graduates of the first two cohorts.
By investing in early- and mid-career professionals, BH Fellows is creating a stronger, more sustainable behavioral health workforce equipped to meet growing community needs.
Learn more about eligibility and upcoming application deadlines on the BH Fellows website.
