Guest Voices Archive Index

Department of Health and Human Services Restructuring

On July 1, many months of planning and preparation culminated in a new state agency: the Department of Health and Human Services. LB 296, signed into law by Governor Heineman, restructured the Health and Human Services System. Governor Heineman made a commitment to Nebraskans that the newly-formed Department of Health and Human Services will provide greater accountability and accessibility for the people we serve. In addition, there is a clear chain of command with a CEO heading up the department.

The former HHS System was comprised of three separate state agencies and many people had a hard time knowing who to contact. The new structure has six Divisions that very clearly describe their work: Behavioral Health; Children and Family Services; Developmental Disabilities; Medicaid and Long Term Care; Public Health; and Veterans’ Homes.

I’m honored to be asked by Governor Heineman to be the first Chief Executive Officer. I am committed to making DHHS accountable and accessible. Our mission is, “We help people live better lives.” That will remain our focus as we move through our reorganization process.

Two of the Governor’s 10 goals for DHHS pertain specifically to the Division of Behavioral Health. I’d like to provide information on them. Completing behavioral health reform: The new Division will be focusing on completing the final steps in the statewide behavioral health reform begun in 2004. We’re seeing positive results from ongoing reform efforts. For example:

• 14,000 more individuals are served in the community annually than in FY 04, a 44% increase. In FY04, 33,124 consumers received community services, in FY 06, 47,664 were served.
• Mental health commitments to DHHS decreased 34% (from 741 in 2004 to 490 in FY 06), with fewer than 300 commitments to DHHS expected this fiscal year.
• From July through December, 2006, 346 consumers received housing related assistance that helped them avoid regional centers and hospital acute services.

Integrating children’s behavioral health services into the Division:
The division will be developing a comprehensive strategy for children’s behavioral health services, as called for in LB 542. The Children’s Behavioral Health Task Force, chaired by former Senator Jim Jensen, will develop recommendations for a system of care for children, including youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Their report will be submitted to the Legislature and the Governor in December. I look forward to working with our stakeholders as we focus on our new direction. By working together, we can make a difference.

Chris Peterson, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services