Based on the priority areas, certain related gaps and needs were recognized

1. Behavioral Health Crisis Response
   • Through its deliberations and briefings by behavioral health experts from National, State and Local organizations in 2018/2019, WRBHPB recognized the need for crisis response/stabilization services in the county. A crisis system is only as healthy as its ability to provide timely and effective care for those in need. Challenges in current crisis systems often revolve around access to the right care at the right time. Lack of access frequently leads to an escalation of the crisis that then requires a more costly intervention. 
2. Equitable Focus on Substance Misuse 
   • While it is generally known and accepted that behavioral health encompasses mental health and substance misuse, there has been some concern expressed that the focus of programs, funding, and policy within our region and statewide,  might be inequitable between the two. Understanding that the two are often co-occurring, the Board realized a need to work to ensure inclusion and collaboration of all sectors of behavioral health. 
3. Behavioral Health Response: Before, During and After a Crisis
   • If we learned anything from the COVID-19 public health crisis, it is that we need a more robust plan and trained staff who can cope with the sometimes-overwhelming behavioral health consequences of an emergent event. 
4. Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) 
   • The CHIP, developed by the Washoe County Health District is a plan of action to address local conditions that are contributing to or causing poor health in Washoe County.  Behavioral health was seen as a top concern cited by the community and is one that greatly suffers from lack of adequate resources and available workforce. It also ties in closely to the housing focus area as many chronically homeless individuals suffer from mental illness and substance use disorders, and adequate housing is seen as a critical foundation to providing successful treatment. 
5. Behavioral Health Data
   • The Board understands that accurate data around behavioral health is necessary to inform trends and assist making decisions. Any success of a data-driven approach depends on the existence of data, the quality of the data gathered, as well as the rigor and pertinence of its analysis and interpretation. Relevant data can be found on the Data Dashboard of this website and included in the Behavioral Health Profile as well as the Annual Report.