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Blaire Bryant

Senior Legislative Director, Health | Large Urban County Caucus

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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

Senate Budget Committee releases blueprint for reconciliation 2.0

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.

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Press Release

NACo launches 2026 Public Health Leadership Academy Cohort to Strengthen County Health

The National Association of Counties (NACo) announces the launch of the inaugural 2026 Public Health Leadership Academy. 

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Advocacy

CMS announces new funding opportunity to promote holistic health innovation

On March 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Make America Healthy Again – Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) Model.

Children participating in Miami-Dade County, Fla.’s Zero Drowning initiative show off their drawstring backpacks.
News

‘Zero drowning’ program boosts safety and prevents deaths

Miami-Dade County, Fla. teaches children how to swim at no-cost and provide more community education around water safety, cutting down on what had been the leading cause of death for children ages 1-14.

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Advocacy

The Michelle Alyssa Go Act: Why Reforming the IMD Exclusion Matters for County Behavioral Health

Reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2025, the bipartisan Michelle Alyssa Go Act (H.R. 5462) aims to modernize the IMD exclusion and expand access to care.