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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SAMHSA is prioritizing peer-centered recovery, among other ways to combat youth substance use disorder, Sonia Chessen, SAMHSA’s deputy assistant secretary, said Friday, July 12 at the NACo Health Steering Committee meeting. Photo by Leon Lawrence III
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Collaboration and mental health support address youth substance use disorder

Counties are investing in education, harm reduction and peer support recovery to combat unintentional overdoses. 

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Advocacy

FEMA seeks feedback on updated Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide

FEMA is inviting county leaders to provide feedback on the newly updated Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG) Version 5. This public comment period opened on June 18, 2024, and closes on August 19, 2024.

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Advocacy

County Countdown – July 1, 2024

Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.

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Advocacy

U.S. Supreme Court decision halts Purdue Pharma opioid settlement

Supreme Court ruling upends $6 billion settlement agreement between Purdue Pharma and impacted state, county and tribal governments and residents.

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Advocacy

U.S. Supreme Court issues narrow decision in malicious prosecution case

On June 20, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling in Chiaverini v. Ohio, a case focused on the relationship between probable cause and malicious prosecution claims against local government.

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Advocacy

U.S. Supreme Court ruling may increase counties' exposure to retaliatory arrest claims

On June 20, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a per curiam (unauthored) ruling in Gonzalez v. Trevino, a case with implications for retaliatory arrest claims against local law enforcement.