Familiar Faces Initiative
Improving Outcomes through Coordinated Heath & Justice Systems
Familiar faces—individuals with complex behavioral health needs who frequently cycle through jails, homeless shelters, emergency departments and other local crisis services—often do not have the support needed to ensure treatment engagement and successful outcomes. Counties and cities’ complex social services systems can be fragmented, leaving vulnerable individuals to fall through the cracks. The Familiar Faces Initiative empowered communities to share data and integrate care options between health and justice systems. While this program concluded in 2023, counties continue to pursue early intervention, improved outcomes and reduced incarceration and hospitalization rates for community members.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services moves to reduce public comment in rulemaking
On February 28, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a policy change limiting public comment opportunities to only those required by law. Published in the Federal Register on March 3, the decision rescinds the “Richardson Waiver,” a 1971 directive from then-HHS Secretary Elliot Richardson that encouraged broader public input on regulations related to public benefits, grants and healthcare policies.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services renews Public Health Emergency Declaration to address national opioid crisis
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the direction of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. renewed the public health emergency (PHE) declaration to address the ongoing opioid crisis, extending critical federal support for coordination, treatment expansion and research efforts. While overdose deaths have declined by 25.5 percent over the past year, synthetic opioids like fentanyl continue to drive fatalities, with approximately 150 Americans dying daily from overdoses.
White House signs Executive Order Examining State and Local Preparedness
On March 18, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at aligning federal preparedness and response doctrines, while examining state and local preparedness capabilities. The order does not shift any responsibilities or costs to state and local governments, rather producing a set of recommendations for better collaboration across all levels of government.
Join NACo in celebrating County Health Day on April 18, 2025
County Health Day, which falls during National County Government Month, honors the vital role counties play in supporting health and well-being across every stage of life — from infancy to older adulthood.
CMS announces extended funding application period to improve the continuity of care for justice-involved individuals
On September 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $106.5 million in state planning grants aimed at improving healthcare continuity for individuals transitioning from incarceration.
Congress reintroduces bipartisan disaster mitigation bill to support homeowners
On March 5, Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act (H.R. 1849) was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives. This introduction follows the late-January introduction of the same bipartisan legislation in the Senate (S. 336). NACo previously supported this legislation and continues to advocate for its passage to support county resilience efforts.
Supported Mothers, Thriving Children: Connecting Maternal Health and Child Wellbeing
Counties can significantly improve children's health and wellbeing by supporting maternal mental health through a variety of key strategies. In this webinar, speakers will explore examples of local policies and programs that bolster county efforts to holistically address child wellbeing through focusing on maternal mental health and substance use. Participants will gain insights into local options for addressing maternal mental health needs and substance misuse, learn about the challenges and triumphs experienced by county programs, and discover new opportunities to strengthen their local children’s health services.