This webinar is available on-demand. If you have trouble accessing the recording, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.

Counties are developing innovative solutions in response to behavioral health workforce shortages across the country. As qualified behavioral health workers seek employment in the private sector or different professions altogether, county providers are struggling to recruit and maintain the workforce necessary to meet the growing demand for services. Join NACo for a panel discussion of innovative solutions to behavioral health workforce challenges. 

Watch Recording

Click here to access the recording in a new window.

Speakers

Image of MicrosoftTeams-image (2).png

Jonah Cunningham

President/CEO, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD)
Image of KathleenBurke.png

Dr. Kathleen Burke

Coordinator of Substance Use Initiatives, Behavioral Health Division, Will County Health Department
Image of Anita-Everett.jpg

Dr. Anita Everett

Director of Center for Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Image of LeoFlor1_March31[91].jpg

Leo Flor

Director, Department of Community and Human Services, King County, Wash.

Related News

Anxious, sad, young woman wearing hospital gown
Advocacy

Michelle Alyssa Go Act reintroduced in the 119th Congress, a critical step for county behavioral health systems

On September 18, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.  

2162840789
Advocacy

Senate passes Second Chance Act reauthorization

On May 22, the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 3552/S.1843) was introduced in the U.S. Senate and 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 through 2030.

Taylor Woodruff, executive director of Youth Serving Agencies Network member organization Alchemy Skateboarding, outlines his organization's community-based programming for court-involved youth centered around skateboarding and manufacturing skills. Photo by Bryce Wilkom
County News

New approach transforms youth justice in Pierce County

Since 2000, Pierce County, Wash. has achieved an 88% reduction in youth detention — even as the county’s overall population has grown by approximately 30% over the same period. 

THE_County Countdown_working_image-4.png
Advocacy

County Countdown – October 6, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features a federal shutdown FAQ, overdose prevention funding and more.

Officers from the Henrico County Police Division’s community services department discuss how they collaborate to help keep mentally ill people from continual jail visits. Photo by Meredith Moran
County News

Law enforcement, mental health pros collaborate in Virginia county

Henrico County, Va.’s crisis response continuum brings together law enforcement and behavioral health professionals to de-escalate mental health crises and avoid unnecessary incarcerations and hospitalizations.

Medicines in hand
Advocacy

Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization

On September 18, the U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act Reauthorization) (H.R. 2483) by voice vote, following House passage earlier this year. With strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature. 

Upcoming Events

Image of GettyImages-681733372.jpg
Webinar

Community Care: How Counties Leverage Real-Time Technology to Improve Behavioral Health

In this webinar, we’ll explore how counties can harness behavioral health empower providers and community stakeholders to help streamline care collaboration and improve outcomes for the communities they serve. 

community
Webinar

Allocating Opioid Settlement Funds for Lasting Community Benefit: How Counties Use Stage CARES to Strengthen Transparency, Accountability, and Compliance

Participants will gain practical strategies and real-world examples of how counties are partnering with Stage CARES to enhance transparency, strengthen coordination, and sustain impact and benefits in their communities’ opioid response.