National Association of Counties
On September 21, the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance sent a letter to behavioral health stakeholders requesting feedback from partners on policy recommendations that would remove access barriers to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the committee’s request, on November 15, NACo sent a letter to committee leadership highlighting the county role in behavioral and mental health care, and offered policy recommendations that would enhance access to care and reduce rates of untreated mental and behavioral health conditions in local communities.
In nearly every state and the District of Columbia, there is at least one mental health facility operated by a county, local or municipal government. Counties also play a role in financing and administering Medicaid services, the largest funding source for behavioral health services in the United States.
NACo provided the following recommendations for improving behavioral healthcare:
As intergovernmental partners, counties are invested in the advancement of policies that provide the necessary resources to address the behavioral and mental health needs of residents. NACo stands ready to work with Congress and the White House on behalf of counties and local residents to achieve this goal.
<p>Reducing the number of people in jail for technical violations can help decrease jail populations and improve outcomes and compliance with supervision conditions.
<p>Experiencing homelessness in early childhood can have long-term impacts on health, education and well-being for both children and parents.
<p>Reducing the number of people arrested and booked into jails for low-level offenses and misdemeanors through diversion and citations, as well as outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court or not paying fines and fees, can h
<p>Reducing recidivism through effective jail- and community-based services can decrease jail admissions and populations and improve outcomes for people with criminal histories.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%" summary="call-out">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%" summary="ad-block no-top-margin no-bullets">
<caption>Jump to Section</caption>
<h1>With <a id="naco" name="naco">NACo</a>, Saving Feels Better</h1>
<p>NACo's Opioid Solutions Center empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.
With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.
Learn More
