WGA shares policy to enhance mental and behavioral health care in outreach to Senate

The Western Governors’ Association shared its policy resolution, Physical and Behavioral Health Care in Western States, with the Senate Committee on Finance in response to the panel’s request for evidence-based solutions and ideas for enhancing mental and behavioral health care. The Governors’ policy highlights the need to expand opportunities for early intervention and law enforcement diversion, as well as the availability of transitional and permanent supportive housing with coordinated health and social services.  In transmitting the policy, WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury emphasized that mental and behavioral health are significant priorities for Western states, which struggle with access to behavioral health services and higher than average suicide rates. Notes Ogsbury. “The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges and has made such efforts increasingly urgent.” Read, download the letter.


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