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
American Samoa Supports Behavioral Health and Healthcare Workforce Needs
Supporting State-Level Deflection and Pre-Arrest Diversion Initiatives
Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds Summit
Governors Recognize Suicide Prevention Month
Nonprescription Naloxone Available for Retail Sales
International Overdose Awareness Day 2023
NGA Releases Roadmap for Tackling Drug Overdose Epidemic
Implementing Best Practices Across the Continuum of Care to Prevent Overdose
State and Territory Approaches to Improving Care for Individuals Affected by Stimulant and Polysubstance Use
