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% of the US population.

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Advocacy

CMS releases details on the Rural Health Transformation Program

On September 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional details on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, overviewing program goals, requirements and timelines. 

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Advocacy

House T&I Committee passes bipartisan FEMA reform package with major wins for counties

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act

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Advocacy

Counties encouraged to apply for newly established HHS Healthcare Advisory Committee

On August 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new Healthcare Advisory Committee, aimed at providing expert guidance on pressing healthcare challenges. This new committee represents an important opportunity for counties to have a voice in shaping federal healthcare policy.

Keli McLoyd, director of Philadelphia’s overdose response unit, speaks to Annual Conference attendees July 11. Photo by Leon Lawrence III
County News

Engaging people with ‘lived experience’ helps build substance use disorder programming

Philadelphia’s Keli McLoyd noted to NACo's Health Steering Committee that increased harm reduction initiatives have led to fewer drug overdose deaths. 

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Advocacy

CMS announces grant awards to improve the continuity of care for justice-involved individuals

On September 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $106.5 million in state planning grants aimed at improving healthcare continuity for individuals transitioning from incarceration.

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Advocacy

FCC opens comment period on modernizing the nation's alerting systems

On August 11, the FCC issued a request for public comment on the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, to determine if alternative regulatory approaches would better maximize the usefulness, effectiveness and resiliency of the public safety systems.