Top 10 County Policy Priorities for Behavioral Health Reform
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County Behavioral Health Landscape
America’s 3,069 counties are integral to America’s behavioral health system. Counties annually invest $83 billion in community health systems, including behavioral health services. Through 750 behavioral health authorities and community providers, county governments plan and operate community-based services for persons with mental illnesses and substance use conditions. County-based behavioral health systems exist in 23 states that represent 75 percent of the U.S. population.
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NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Launched in February 2023, the NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing brings together county leaders from across the nation to take action to address the ever-growing mental health crisis from the county government perspective.
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Congress introduces Second Chance Act reauthorization
On April 16, the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 8028) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with robust bipartisan support. NACo supports this legislation, which would reauthorize funding for Second Chance Act (P.L. 110-199) programs for five years.
HRSA offers funds to aid care transitions for justice-involved individuals
On April 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the availability of $51 million in funding opportunities open to HRSA-funded health centers. HRSA-funded health centers, which serve over 30 million patients, play a crucial role in county healthcare systems emphasizing equity and accessibility in healthcare. This new initiative focuses on supporting individuals leaving incarceration by providing health services during the critical 90 days before release, assisting justice-impacted individuals with their return to the community by expanding access to primary healthcare—including mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
FCC takes critical steps to improve the 988 National Suicide Lifeline
On March 21, bipartisan congressional leaders and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced steps to improve the 988 National Suicide Lifeline. This announcement marks major progress on the nation’s crisis response, a priority for counties and a key policy pillar of the NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing.