Breaking the Cycle: Behavioral Health Diversion Strategies for Counties
This is available on-demand. If you have issues accessing the recording, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.
Across America, many 911 calls involving behavioral health crises still result in arrest rather than a connection to care. For counties, this is not just a public safety challenge; it is a fiscal and public health imperative. Jails and emergency departments remain the default response for individuals in mental health and substance use crises, contributing to higher system costs and deepening the cycle of criminalization for people who need treatment.
This interactive fireside chat brings together county leaders and behavioral health experts to explore how communities are building the diversion infrastructure to change outcomes. Drawing on established and emerging models, panelists will examine what effective behavioral health crisis co-response looks like in practice and what distinguishes counties that have built durable diversion systems from those still relying on arrest as a default.
Panelists will speak candidly about their experience in local implementation, including funding strategies and the development of local cross-system partnerships. Whether your county is exploring its first co-response pilot or looking to scale and sustain existing efforts, this session offers practical, evidence-grounded insights for leaders ready to move from default to design.
Watch Recording
Click here to access the recording.
Key Takeaways
With federal funding reductions and policy changes affecting key health and human services programs, counties can no longer assume federal funding stability. This webinar will share the critical tools for counties building programs that can Withstand fiscal uncertainty and support long-term stability.
When individuals cycle repeatedly through jails, emergency departments, and crisis facilities, counties absorb enormous fiscal and human costs that co-response and community-based treatment can dramatically reduce. This session examines strategies used to build durable diversion systems and shape programs through data-driven outcomes and efficient use of public resources.
The most successful county systems treat diversion as a systems transformation effort. Learn how to create pathways at every point of criminal justice contact for individuals to receive care.
Speakers
Dominique Leap
Ivone A. Kovalsky Falk, LSW, MSW
Shannon Smith
USDA announces $44 million in rural broadband connectivity grant opportunities for FY 2026
On May 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced available grant funding under the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Earlier this month, USDA also released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program for FY 2026. In total, $44 million is available in financial assistance between these two programs.
Counties eye potential Medicaid reimbursement remedies
Increasing the number of beds in mental health treatment facilities eligible for Medicaid reimbursement would empower counties to do more to help their residents.
Counties Recognize Mental Health Awareness Month
The National Association of Counties (NACo) again this year will mark Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the month of May with counties advocating for solutions that support the wellbeing of residents and address the nation’s mental health crisis.
House clears budget resolution, advancing Reconciliation 2.0 to fund DHS and CBP
On April 21, U.S. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) unveiled a budget resolution to advance a party-line reconciliation package focused on immigration enforcement and funding for agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The resolution is the first step in a two-part process aimed at producing final legislation by June 1.