Rep. Brooke Green

On Tuesday, the Idaho Behavioral Health Council was honored for its work to improve Idahoans’ access to mental health services.

The state’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Idaho) presented the council — which features members from each branch of government, including Sen. David Nelson and Rep. Brooke Green — with the second annual Kathie Garrett award, given to mental health advocates.

“It was such an honor for the Behavioral Health Council to be recognized by NAMI Idaho today,” Green said. “ I have committed my legislative career to addressing this issue, and I’m grateful to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle this crisis in our state. Together, we are working to make sure Idahoans have the quality of life they deserve.”

The council participants include all three branches of government — the legislative, executive and judicial — working together to address the behavioral health needs of Idahoans. During the last year, its members took a systematic look at the state’s behavioral health system, and identified ways to decrease agency silos, reduce barriers to recovery and treatment, and identify any missing services.

Sen. David Nelson

That information was compiled into a strategic plan, which the council presented this past summer to Gov. Brad Little, legislative leadership, and the Idaho Supreme Court. It covered state actions through 2024, and included a set of 34 recommendations — nine of which were identified as key priorities for the next three years — to improve Idahoans’ access to care.

“Behavioral health issues impact our communities at all levels and citizens of all ages,” Nelson said. “As more Idahoans seek out these types of services, we have to make sure they can get the appropriate help, no matter what part of the state they call home — and that’s what the council was created to do. I’m really proud of our work, and so thankful to receive this award.”