Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council (BHPAC)

Authorization

The Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council (BHPAC) is authorized by Executive Order of the Governor.

Purpose

The Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council serves as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness (SMI), children and youth with severe emotional disturbance (SED), other individuals with mental illnesses or emotional problems, and persons with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, with the goal of improving behavioral health services in Nevada.

Under federal statute, the specific duties and responsibilities of the BHPAC are to:

1. Review the state's Mental Health Block Grant applications, state plans, and implementation reports and formally submit any recommended modifications. 
2. Serve as an advocate for people with behavioral health needs. 
3. Monitor, review, and evaluate, no less than annually, the allocation and adequacy of behavioral health services within the state.

Funding Partner

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal funding partner for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 6 Pacific jurisdictions. SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services' (CMHS) Division of State and Community Systems Development (DSCSD) administers Mental Health Block Grant funding and provides technical assistance.

• SAMHSA Mental Health Block Grant Webpage

Informational Brochure

The Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council has developed an informational brochure. Please access it below.

• Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council Brochure

Interested in joining the council?

The Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council is looking for new members. Please visit the website below to review current council vacancies and submit your application. 

• State of Nevada Board and Commissions

Public Comment Request

We are asking for your feedback for the 2025 Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG) application. The Mental Health Block Grant 's objective is to support states in carrying out plans for providing comprehensive community mental health services. The MHBG program is authorized by sections 1911-1920 of Title XIX, Part B, Subpart I and III of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act.

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health Wellness and Prevention, manages this grant, working with state agencies and community-based partners to fund mental health services to adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances.

To view the MHBG application:

• Visit https://bgas.samhsa.gov/Module/BGAS/Users  
• To log in, use the following:
• Username: citizennv
• Password: citizen
• Once you’ve logged in, click on ‘View an Existing Application’ and ‘2025 MHBG Only Application/Behavioral Health Assessment and Plan’
• When you choose ‘View Application’, review the sections noted with ‘2025’ next to them.  

Please provide your feedback by no later than close of business on Friday, August 30, 2024. You may send your feedback to Jennifer Simeo at j.simeo@health.nv.gov.