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
Finding Solutions to the Prescription Opioid and Heroin Crisis: A Road Map for States
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States Stem Opioid Overdose Through Information Sharing
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Opioid Addiction
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Governors Unite in the War Against Opioids
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Governors Lead the Charge on Opioid Abuse, Education Reform, Zika Response
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Governors, Physicians Call For End To Nation’s Opioid Epidemic
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Governors Make Recommendations To Address National Opioid Epidemic
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State, Local Leaders Expand Efforts to Treat Opioid Overdoses
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Using Data to Better Serve the Most Complex Patients
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Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse: Lessons Learned from an NGA Policy Academy
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