Top 10 County Policy Priorities for Behavioral Health Reform
Author
Blaire Bryant
Naomi Freel
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America’s 3,069 counties are integral to America’s behavioral health system. Counties annually invest over $130 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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(2023-2024) Counties increasingly handle direct mental health service. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing developed reports and united county leaders to address the mental health crisis through key policy priorities.
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