National Association of Counties Brief Series on A Behavioral Health Continuum of Care: Intellectual and Developmental Disability Directors



The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Directors are collaborating on a series of messaging briefs that provide examples of how local leaders are leveraging their unique roles to advance behavioral health care and effectively communicate these efforts' importance. The briefs will provide members of these groups with insights into the work of peers. For community members, staff, and advocates, they offer a framework for understanding and engaging with their own local leaders. 

A New Guide to Aid Police-Mental Health Collaborations 

While there can be many partners involved in a police-mental health collaboration (PMHC), day-to-day operations are typically overseen by a project coordinator and the PMHC’s interagency workgroup. This new handbook is designed to guide project coordinators through planning, implementing, and continuously improving a PMHC.

Counties are leading the development, modernization, and infrastructure of local crisis response systems as communities’ mental and behavioral health needs continue to grow. One critical strategy is implementing the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in coordination with existing 911 emergency response systems. This webinar highlights models of 988/911 collaboration, including recommendations for planning and implementation. Panelists discuss progress, challenges, and lessons learned from advancing their communities’ crisis response systems.