Governors’ Health Priorities in 2025

Through emergency response, behavioral health investments, maternal health protections, nutrition innovations, rural health transformation, and workforce development, Governors have demonstrated that effective governance requires evidence-based policymaking, cross-agency coordination, and sustained political will. 

Governors confronted complex challenges with innovative solutions grounded in evidence and adapted to local contexts. As highlighted at the 2025 Health and Human Services Policy Advisors Institute, states continue navigating evolving federal policies, fiscal constraints, and persistent health disparities through gubernatorial leadership. 

Together, Governors are transforming health systems, ensuring that every American has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life. The following examples reflect some of the top health care stories from 2025. 

Leading Through Crisis 

The H5N1 avian flu outbreak tested state emergency response systems. Colorado Governor Jared Polis directed swift mobilization of the state’s outbreak working group, testing 141 individuals and confirming 10 cases through coordinated efforts between agriculture and public health agencies. Louisiana reported the nation’s first H5N1-related human fatality, responding with transparent communication and comprehensive surveillance, including a 24/7 clinician hotline and daily updates.  

Governors also addressed mental health impacts of natural disasters. Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green’s response to the Maui wildfires established comprehensive mental health support through the Office of Wellness and Resilience. Vermont Governor Phil Scott created Start Over Strong Vermont following severe flooding, providing crisis counseling to help residents rebuild. 

“For us to thrive, we have to heal. The setbacks we face as individuals and as a community can hinder our ability to move forward unless we come together and make it right.”

Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Hawaiʻi

Behavioral Health

Mental health and substance use disorders remained top priorities, with Governors implementing comprehensive strategies for prevention, treatment and workforce development. NGA supported these efforts through the Trauma and Addiction Policy Academy, providing technical assistance to New Mexico and West Virginia in strengthening trauma-informed approaches to substance use disorder treatment. 

And despite a nearly 24 percent decline in drug overdose deaths nationwide, fentanyl continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, and Governors continue to emphasize the importance of naloxone distribution, public awareness campaigns and integrated treatment approaches through the National Governors Association’s Opioid State Action Network. 

“These are bipartisan pieces of legislation. We heard in the session – from Democrats, Republicans and independent voters — they want access to care for their communities, for their loved ones, and they want us to do things more effectively and efficiently.”

Governor Tina Kotek

Oregon

Federal-State Partnership 

Governors recognize the importance of federal-state partnership in health policy emphasizing the need for Governors to have a seat at the table when discussing Medicaid reforms and funding changes. 

The Public Health and Disaster Response Task Force, co-chaired by Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green and Vermont Governor Phil Scott, submitted priorities to Congress for Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Governors at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting, providing opportunities for direct dialogue on federal priorities and partnership. 

“We all are interested in what happens in public health. We should be asking questions and elevating this conversation.”

Governor Bill Lee

Tennessee

Maternal and Child Health: Protecting Families 

Governors recognized that investing in maternal and child health represents both a moral imperative and economic necessity. Approximately 800,000 families annually are affected by maternal mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders during the perinatal period. NGA is supporting Governors’ work through the Improving Maternal and Child Health in Rural America learning collaborative bringing together officials from 23 states and territories. 

“I’ll never stop working to make life more affordable for new moms and families across New York. That’s why I’m continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, expand access to affordable maternal health care, and deliver more of the resources families need to grow and succeed.”

Governor Kathy Hochul

New York

Food Security: Making Food Medicine 

Governors pioneered innovative approaches to food security and nutrition, recognizing that access to healthy food constitutes a fundamental health intervention. The Food is Medicine movement gained momentum as state leaders integrated nutrition services into healthcare delivery systems. 

“Oklahoma is proud to lead the way in recognizing the critical role nutrition plays in improving health. We’re seeing firsthand how greater access to nutritious food can help reduce chronic disease and lower health care costs across our state.”

Governor Kevin Stitt

Oklahoma

Healthcare Workforce Development 

Governors recognize that addressing healthcare workforce shortages requires sustained investment in education, training and retention strategies. To reduce recruitment barriers many states and territories have joined behavioral health interstate licensing compacts enabling licensed professionals to practice across state lines and expand access to care in underserved areas. 

“Now is the time to be innovative in how we recruit and retain healthcare workers, and that’s going to take our education and healthcare systems working together to remove some barriers keeping people from entering the profession.”

Governor Andy Beshear

Kentucky

Rural Health Transformation

The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program has created unprecedented opportunities for Governors to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure, address workforce shortages, and expand access to behavioral health and maternal care services. In addition to health benefits, healthy communities attract businesses and retain talent, as recognized by rural health investments as economic development strategies. 

“Our VA Rural Vitality plan takes bold action to ensure every Virginian – no matter their zip code – can access high-quality care close to home. This $1 billion investment will strengthen our workforce, expand innovative care models, and deliver the tools communities need to live healthier, more productive lives.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin

Virginia

Primary Care and Chronic Disease Prevention 

Recognizing that chronic diseases account for 90 percent of the nation’s $4.5 trillion annual healthcare spending, Governors prioritized prevention strategies. In support of these efforts NGA launched the Rx for a Healthier America Initiative, working with policy academy teams from American Samoa, Maryland, Missouri, U.S. Virgin Islands and West Virginia. 

“We have a chance to help our citizens live longer, healthier lives… We have an opportunity to reverse some of the terrible health trends that we’ve seen that have plagued our state for a long time.”

Governor Patrick Morrisey

West Virginia

Conclusion 

Through emergency response, behavioral health investments, maternal health protections, nutrition innovations, rural health transformation and workforce development, Governors have demonstrated that effective governance requires evidence-based policymaking, cross-agency coordination and sustained political will. Bookmark the Center for Best Practices Health page for updates and analysis on innovation in states and territories.