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

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.

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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.  

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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. 

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Advocacy

CMS releases Rural Health Transformation Program funding opportunity

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

MAHA Commission releases federal strategy outlining next steps in childhood chronic disease prevention

On September 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s new Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, following the earlier MAHA Report published in May 2025. The strategy builds on the assessment’s findings regarding four key drivers of childhood chronic disease: poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity and chronic stress and overmedicalization.