The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Advisory Committee reviewed behavioral health block grant priorities, funding and performance measures during its Aug. 6 meeting. Staff reported that federal block grant funding continues to serve as a payer of last resort for uninsured individuals, with Nebraska maintaining strong performance in federal data reporting. Committee members reviewed preliminary outcome data, noting that the state fell short of targets related to youth binge drinking, stable housing and residential substance use treatment wait times. Members also discussed whether performance goals should be adjusted for the coming year.
The committee also received updates on several behavioral health initiatives, including the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will use more than $218 million in federal funding to support integrated care, telehealth crisis response, facility improvements and behavioral health nursing home pilots. Members heard a presentation from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority on affordable housing programs for people with disabilities and talked about improving access to supportive housing across the state. Before adjourning, the committee reviewed proposed behavioral health budgets, discussed vacancies and attendance on the advisory committee and announced its next meeting for Nov. 12.
Meeting documented by Journey McManus
Read full meeting notes here
