Who We Are & Mission Statement

Who We Are

In early 2003, Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc, the local mental health authority for Baltimore City, convened a number of leaders in the academic community to address the issues related to workforce development in community behavioral health , at all levels and across disciplines, and the gap between research findings, policy and practice. BMHS was able to attract the participation of many of the leading academic institutions in the Baltimore area. The group formed a non-profit corporation, as an affiliate of BMHS, named the Behavioral Health Leadership Institute (BHLI). The Board of Directors is comprised of members from several representative institutions as well as the President of BMHS and other individuals who are active in the field of mental health or substance use disorders. The Institute concept is a unique approach to improving the quality of care. It offers a model that integrates service delivery, research, work force development, education and public policy in a unique partnership between academic institutions and a strong local mental health authority.

Mission Statement

The mission of the BHLI is to improve the delivery of mental health/substance use disorder services by bridging the gap between community needs, responsive service delivery, workforce development and research. BHLI has the following primary objectives:

1. Improving the training of persons engaged in the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, and the promotion of mental health. The focus of workforce education and training will be derived from the identified service needs with input from vulnerable and under-served populations.

2. Engaging professionals and non-professionals in promoting behavioral health policy and developing public policy initiatives and papers.

3. Developing and implementing innovative pilot projects to address gaps in service and needs identified by stakeholders, including persons living in vulnerable and under-served communities.