What is Workforce Development, and what does it mean for the field of Addictions?

Wikipedia defines Workforce Development as "an American economic development approach that attempts to enhance a region's [or sector's] economic stability and prosperity by focusing on people rather than businesses."

For the field of Addictions, this translates to a focus on the people who deliver services to anyone affected by addictions or unhealthy use of substances. Our workforce is large and difficult to clearly define because people are affected by addictions and unhealthy use of substances in just about every service system, including primary care, specialty and alternative medicine, mental health, corrections, child welfare, education, early intervention... the list goes on.

Currently, many treatment providers who deal directly with the effects of addiction work in under-resourced agencies, with clients whose needs vary according to socio-economic status, race, culture, age, gender, ability and natural supports, as well as the severity of their substance use disorder. The national crisis in recruitment and retention of such workers has been well documented for over a decade, and includes a shortage of thousands of workers and turnover rates as high as 50%. There have been multiple efforts at the state and national level to address this crisis directly. Massachusetts is currently engaged in implementing its own plan to address this crisis. This website is one piece of the MA workforce development plan.