The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has implemented and oversees various groups focused on improving behavioral health services throughout the state. While some of the commissions and task force focus on particular populations such as adults or youth, others address more specific issues such as mental health, substance abuse, or gambling services. For additional information on current initiatives click on the links provided below.

Behavioral Health Oversight Commission - Legislative Bill 1083, the Nebraska Behavioral Health Systems Act, was signed into law in 2004. LB1083 envisioned and mandated the provision of behavioral health services closer to home, family, and support services, and in the least restrictive setting possible. In addition, the Behavioral Health Oversight Commission was created as part of the Act and charged with overseeing and supporting the implementation of LB1083. More

Children’s Behavioral Health Task Force - Nebraska’s youngest citizens are the focus of the Children’s Behavioral Health Task Force. The group was created following the passage of Legislative Bill 542, introduced by Senator John Synowiecki, in an effort to further examine children’s behavioral health policy in Nebraska and provide the Legislature information necessary to make informed decisions regarding the future of behavioral health care. More

Children’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Statewide Infrastructure Grant (SIG) - Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services and individuals and agencies from various backgrounds across the state of Nebraska have collaborated efforts to build upon and enhance the response to children in need of mental health and substance abuse services. Recognizing the urgency that exists for far too many families who cannot access vitally necessary services for their child, the Children’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Statewide Infrastructure Grant (SIG) Committee focuses on increased coordination and development of infrastructure at the state, regional, and local levels. More

State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services - The State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services was created as part of Legislative Bill 1083, the Nebraska Behavioral Health Systems Act. Replacing the Mental Health Planning and Evaluation Council that ceased on July 1, 2004, the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services is a 23 member board appointed by the Governor and regional behavioral health authorities. The Committee was created to provide advice and assistance to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health related to the provision of mental health services in the State of Nebraska. More

State Advisory Committee on Substance Abuse Services - The State Advisory Committee on Substance Abuse Services was created as part of Legislative Bill 1083, the Nebraska Behavioral Health Systems Act. The 12 member board is appointed by the Governor and was created to provide advice and assistance to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health related to the provision of substance abuse prevention and treatment services in the State of Nebraska. More

State Committee on Problem Gambling - The State Committee on Problem Gambling is a 12 member board appointed by the Governor and created to provide advice and assistance to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health related to the treatment of problem gambling in the State of Nebraska. More