CT HB05145

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall establish five regional behavioral health action organizations, one for each mental health region in the state.

Each organization shall serve as a strategic community partner for planning, education, and advocacy regarding behavioral health needs and services within its region.

Regional organizations shall assess behavioral health needs, develop strategic plans for substance abuse prevention and treatment, administer grants to municipalities, and build community capacity to address problem gambling.

Organizations shall raise public awareness about mental health promotion and substance abuse prevention, leverage funding for behavioral health activities, and serve on advisory and planning bodies.

Organizations shall provide training and distribute opioid antagonist supplies to communities within available appropriations, and the Department shall report findings on organizational efficacy to the joint standing committee on public health by January 1, 2020.