The Health Committee, co-chaired by Nevada Senator Rochelle Nguyen and Utah Representative Steve Eliason, gathers to provide a forum where legislators can exchange information and ideas on relevant health policy topics at all levels of government. It represents state legislative perspectives on critical regional and national issues, promotes the importance of health concerns, and works toward collaborative solutions to strengthen the West.
Attendees discussed mental health challenges in their states and shared personal stories regarding these challenges. The group emphasized better regulation, resource access, and collaboration between states. Based on California’s recent investment in behavioral health, members also highlighted the need for more transparency and reporting requirements where such investments are concerned. Additionally, they addressed the urgent need to address women’s healthcare issues, particularly menopause and mental health, and discussed the importance of prioritizing women’s mental health. Finally, the members discussed the need for a task force or subcommittee to address mental and behavioral health issues in Western states.
Mental health services for children and families in various states
- Wyoming and Oregon are undergoing efforts to reform involuntary commitment laws.
- Wendy Roussel, Chief of Government Relations and Policy for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, discussed the state’s efforts to support children’s behavioral health, including workforce development. Connecticut dedicates a third of its budget to children’s behavioral health services, focusing on in-home services and collaboration with mental health providers.
Mental health education in Alaska schools faces political pushback
In Alaska, mental health services are transferred from the federal government to the state government. The Lessons Transition Act and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Enabling Act are key acts providing mental health services in the state.
Mental health challenges and solutions in New Mexico
- Fiscal analysis in the New Mexico State Legislature identified gaps in behavioral health services and new initiatives to address them.
- The Chief Justice led an initiative to divert non-violent offenders from jail to mental health treatment.
- New Mexico is improving handoffs between agencies and prioritizing funding for holistic care.
Mental health challenges in U.S. prisons and hospitals
- In Oregon, the challenges of providing mental health care include overcrowding in emergency rooms and a lack of resources for mid-level care. While California has implemented initiatives to raise resources for mental health care, Oregon does not have the same level of investment.
- Hospitals in western states need help with oversubscribed emergency rooms and shortages of medical professionals.
Nevada aims to address criminal justice issues through triage and legislative changes.
Decriminalizing drugs, legislative committees, and collaboration
- Oregon’s first attempt at decriminalization of drugs did not go as planned. A committee will examine its effectiveness.
- Members suggested CSG West as a potential bridge for states to continue collaborating on drug policy reform.
Forming a task force to address mental health issues in the criminal justice system
The committee leadership proposed forming a task force or subcommittee for mental and behavioral health issues.
Women’s health issues and policing reform
- Given the lack of priority to menopause care in the U.S., with only $10 million invested in the Federal Advanced Menopause Care and Midlife Women’s Health Act, Co-chair Nguyen seeks to host a webinar on women’s health, specifically perimenopause.
- Co-chair Nguyen is working to address this issue in the next legislative session in Nevada. She will focus on mental health and updated information for OB-GYNs and seek input on policy ideas, including criminal justice reform and mental health services.
Moving forward
- Consider setting up a CSG West behavioral health task force or subcommittee to continue collaborative discussions.
- Provide information on California’s facilities funding through the No Place Like Home program. This program funds the development of permanent supportive housing for persons in need of mental health services who are experiencing homelessness, chronic homelessness, or at risk of chronic homelessness.
- Share details on Alaska’s mental health trust model.
- Convene a webinar/Legislative Exchange on perimenopause and women’s health issues.