The DHCS Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD) program in California is now accepting applications for Round 2 funding for the Peer Workforce Initiative (PWI) and Expanding Peer Organization Capacity (EPOC) grant programs.

These grants provide funding to behavioral health peer-run programs to increase capacity and infrastructure to “set the table” for the future Medi-Cal peer support services benefit. Emerging peer run organizations can apply for EPOC funding for up to $200,000. Established peer run organizations with fewer than 50 employees can apply for PWI funding up to $375,000 and those with more can apply for up to  $500,000. These funds can be used to prepare to bill Medi-Cal for peer services and cover costs related to staffing and infrastructure. 

Both programs have a special interest in ensuring high-quality services are available in underserved and high-need communities statewide, including programs that offer bilingual and cultural expertise and those in rural settings.
 

More details about the grants can be found on the BHWD website at https://www.workforce.buildingcalhhs.com. Organizations can apply at Behavioral Health Workforce Development Peer Workforce Investment (PWI) ROUND 2 - Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (smapply.us). 

All applications must be submitted by April 11, 2023, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

AHP is proud to be the Administrative Entity for this program.