In 1974 the Nebraska Unicameral passed LB302, the Nebraska Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Act, stating “It is hereby declared to be the public policy of the State of Nebraska that all persons residing in Nebraska shall have access to mental health facilities, programs, and services.” In 1977, LB204 was passed adding the provision of substance abuse services.
There are six mental health regions in Nebraska organized under Nebraska’s Inter-local Agreement Act. Each is unique, yet all play an important role in the provision of behavioral health (mental health and substance abuse) services across Nebraska. Nebraska is an extremely diverse state in terms of population, resources and needs. The regional system provides the avenue of local participation and local autonomy in the development and delivery of needed services.
The effectiveness of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Regions over the years has been rooted in their ability to represent and respond to local needs. This effectiveness is then enhanced through the partnerships the Regions have forged with contract providers, the State, other human service providers, and the people they are responsible to serve.
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