NACBHDD

WELCOME TO NACBHDD

NACBHDD is the only national voice for county and local behavioral health and developmental disability authorities in Washington, DC. Through education, policy analysis, and advocacy, NACBHDD brings the unique perspective of our members to Congress and the Executive Branch and promotes national policies that recognize and support the critical role counties play in caring for people affected by mental illness, addiction, and developmental disabilities.

NACBHDD is also an active partner in efforts to improve access to, funding for, and quality of behavioral health services, especially those that serve the most vulnerable in our communities. Key issues include: protecting Medicaid coverage, ending the stigma of mental illness, better treatment for veterans, achieving parity in insurance coverage for behavioral health care, affordable housing and vocational training for those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, and many more.

Newsletter

New Housing Initiative Emphasizes Prevention and Planning for Consumers with Concomitant Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness

During the July NACo Annual Conference, NACBHDD member Chad VonAhnen (Director of the Sedgwick County, Kansas, Developmental Disability Organization) delivered a presentation on an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the needs of individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental illness who are involved in crisis situations in their current housing. The initiative, which received funding for 2008, with additional funding awarded for 2009, seeks to address the often complicated behavioral needs of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental illness.

Legislative News

DC Update
November 10, 2008

Activity has picked up in Washington, D.C. as a new Administration prepares to step into the White House in January and the 110th Congress prepares for a likely lame duck session next week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) indicated that an economic stimulus package would be considered during this time. NACBHDD and others have supported this effort that would include a temporary increase for the Federal Medicaid match. Other entities have weighed in on this issue including the National Governors Association (NGA). NGA sent Congressional leaders a letter urging them to pass an economic recovery package with a Medicaid match increase. Look for future DC Updates and email alerts for more information.

Conferences

HOLD THE DATES! March 9-11, 2009 - NACBHDD's 2009 Legislative and Policy Conference will be held at the Churchill Hotel in Washington, DC.

The 2009 Legislative and Policy Conference is a not-to-be-missed event! As a new President, new Executive Agency Directors and a new Congress begin their work, you will have the opportunity to hear from representatives of key federal agencies, Congress, national organizations and other leaders in the fields of behavioral health and developmental disabilities. We will spend time on Capitol Hill and meet with Members of Congress and key Congressional staff.

Conference and hotel registration information will be posted soon.

The Nation's Capital is the place to be in March 2009. Plan to join us and make your voice heard.