The OBH Council came into formation in 1996 and has been evolving since. In response to the events of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the social movements of other marginalized communities, the OBH Council recognized space within its organization to do more in regards to diversity and inclusion. As a result, the OBH Council created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to focus on how, as a council, we can do our part and continue to provide effective treatment in the outdoors for people of color, gender and sexuality minorities, and other marginalized groups.

The OBH Council DEI Statement

OBH Council recognizes and honors the resilience and contributions of the individuals, families, and communities who face systemic oppression, racism, senseless violence, and lack of accessibility to quality healthcare in their everyday lives. As an organization, we are undertaking the responsibility to educate ourselves and evolve. We aim to work towards eliminating the barriers to accessible, inclusive and equitable outdoor behavioral healthcare, employment and programming for all persons.

The Council pledges to:

• Embrace challenges, and don’t stand still: Continue on-going critical self-evaluation as a Council through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and collectively work to achieve, maintain, and continuously assess the diversity, equity and inclusion goals in the Council’s strategic plan.
• Create a culture that fosters DEI: Ensure that our member programs thoroughly promote the vision and case for DEI by taking consistent action to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging among staff as well as offer support for those leaning on program services. 
• Encourage and support collaboration: Partnerships bring new voices to the conversation and can help implement equitable access to and inclusion in the outdoors. This includes sponsorship of and participation with individuals, communities, programs, and other organizations supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors.
• Invest in our community: Supporting our community at every level means offering access to training and education to ensure the development of safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces and client care standards through OBH Council hosted and sponsored events.
• Invest in research and third-party review: Supporting the OBH Center by providing data and opening our programs to external, objective review.

To read our 2023-2025 DEI Strategic Plan, view here.