A governor is uniquely situated to look across the state and coordinate action among state agencies, communities and stakeholders. Many governors are actively engaged in aligning multiple health delivery system reform efforts with broader population health strategies and exploring economically sustainable models. One focal point of the NGA work with states is in establishing or scaling up cost-effective programs for individuals with complex care needs. Many of those individuals have unmet behavioral health (mental illness and/or substance misuse) and social service needs that are better served in the community and outside of acute care or institutional settings. To that end, NGA is providing states technical assistance around a number of policy priorities in behavioral health including:
- Improving outcomes and reducing cost of care for complex populations
- System-level behavioral health and primary care integration
- Capacity building in rural and underserved areas
- Supportive housing
- Behavioral health in criminal justice involved
NGA Resources

Lessons Learned in State Collaboration to Address Substance Use Disorder and Justice-Involved Individuals
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Improving Care For Stimulant And Polysubstance Use
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Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder on Community Supervision
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Substance Use Disorder and Addiction
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National Recovery Month – 2021
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Expanding Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Corrections and Community Settings
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Expanding Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Corrections and Community Settings
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Supporting State Behavioral Health Systems During COVID-19 Response and Recovery
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Improving Outcomes and Reducing Cost of Care for Complex Care Populations With Behavioral Health and Social Support Needs: Toolkit for Governors
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Expanding Access To Non-Opioid Management Of Chronic Pain
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