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

NACo submits recommendations on the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy

On June 20, NACo submitted formal comments to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to help shape the development of its 2026 National Drug Control Strategy. This strategy serves as the nation’s blueprint for reducing illicit drug use, and the ONDCP plays a central role in coordinating federal drug policy across government agencies. As counties remain on the frontlines of the opioid and broader substance use epidemic, ONDCP invited NACo to share the county government perspectives on federal priorities and polices that support prevention, treatment, recovery and public safety across the country. 

Black mid adult male doctor with notepad and pen talking to a patient
Advocacy

U.S. House of Representatives introduces legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for behavioral health treatment facilities

On June 20, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act in the U.S. House of Representative. This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care nationwide by removing long-standing Medicaid funding restrictions for behavioral health treatment in certain facilities, providing new flexibility for states and counties to meet growing behavioral health needs.

Seattle, Washington
Advocacy

NACo Legal Advocacy: City of Buffalo et al. v. Kia/Hyundai

The question at hand in City of Seattle et al. v. Kia/Hyundai is whether or not the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard preempts state tort claims brought forth by local governments alleging that Kia and Hyundai’s failure to install “reasonable” anti-theft technology constitutes negligence and public nuisance.

Court House
Advocacy

NACo Legal Advocacy: Perttu v. Richards

Perttu v. Richards has implications on the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) and could increase the amount of Section 1983 inmate-initiated cases against county jails that reach federal court, ultimately resulting in counties having to expend resources on frivolous lawsuits.  

SNAP and EBT Accepted here sign
Press Release

County Leaders Visit Washington to Share Local Perspective on Budget Reconciliation

Elected officials from five states sound alarm about administrative and funding changes to SNAP and Medicaid.