The Vermont Department of Health contracted with Scale Strategic Solutions and its subcontractors to deliver training sessions to 224 professionals in the substance use disorder and mental health workforce. 

The trainings were designed to provide an introduction to health equity, to enhance the understanding of cultural intelligence in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and to elevate community voice by identifying strategies to close gaps in the communities the participants serve. In just 8 weeks, Scale offered our standard health equity training module with a customized section on mental and behavioral health equity for Vermont. 

Scale Strategic Solutions in collaboration with The Eastledge Group and Strategik513 successfully delivered an impactful training program supporting Vermont’s professional development. Roy Belcher, Director of Planning and Community Services for the Division of Substance Use Programs of the Vermont Department of Health said, “Our partnership with Scale was an excellent experience, throughout which we saw the organization and their partners exceed all our expectations. Their attention to detail and exceptional knowledge was matched by their deep passion for their work and dedication to achieving meaningful outcomes.” 

Case Study: Vermont Department of Health and Scale Strategic Solutions 

Training Program Overview 
The training series covered key aspects of health equity, cultural intelligence, and community engagement and was delivered from January to June 2024. The courses offered included: 

1. Introduction to Health Equity (Online, asynchronous module) -- 133 participants completed 

• Provided a foundational understanding of health equity in Vermont’s substance use disorder and mental health service provision. 

1. The Importance of Cultural Intelligence in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment -- 124 participants attended 

• Enhanced participants' ability to work effectively across cultural settings, addressing health disparities. 
• Designed and facilitated by Robin Shabazz of The Eastledge Group. 

1. Engaging and Elevating Community Voice -- 24 participants attended 

• Focused on the role of community collaboration in addressing health disparities. 
• Facilitated by Shawnda DeRamus of Strategik513. 

Additional team members contributed to the program: 

• Shawnda DeRamus and Calista Smith customized the Health Equity module. 
• Karen Dubose managed training production, registration, and logistics. 
• Autumn Smith coordinated the project and assisted with content development. 
• Hector Medina conducted discovery analysis. 

Implementation Process 

1. Discovery and Curriculum Development 

• Interviews and research on health disparities in Vermont informed curriculum design. 
• Learning objectives and training materials were tailored based on insights gathered. 

1. Training Delivery 

• The Introduction to Health Equity course was available asynchronously and provided 1 CEU for multiple licensed professionals. 
• The Importance of Cultural Intelligence training was delivered virtually and in-person and was approved for 4.75 CEUs for various professionals. 
• Engaging and Elevating Community Voice training was delivered in-person and virtually, earning 4 CEUs for Licensed Clinical Social Workers. 

1. Training Schedule 

• Multiple sessions were conducted via Zoom and in-person across various dates from January to June 2024 

Results & Impact 

• Outcomes 
• Increased awareness and understanding of social determinants of health and fundamentals of health equity among Vermont professionals. 
• Enhanced ability for culturally intelligent interactions in mental health and substance use treatment. 
• Strengthened community engagement strategies.