April 1-7 is National Public Health Week 2024. This year’s theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” This holistic approach to public health was certainly evident in Governors’ 2024 State of the State addresses, in which they highlighted the need to continue to invest in and support the health and well-being of their constituents. Issues at the top of mind for Governors include expanding behavioral health services and supports, investing in public health infrastructure, developing policy to improve maternal and child health outcomes, bolstering the healthcare workforce and expanding access to needed care, especially in rural and underserved communities. The highlights outlined here represent key themes that emerged from a scan of 2024 State of the State addresses.
A link to each Governor’s address is available on the NGA 2024 State of the State page located here.
Behavioral Health
Addressing behavioral health continues to be atop priority for Governors. In State of the State addresses, 28 Governors identified behavioral health as a top priority for their administration, including increasing supports and services for people with substance use disorder, and efforts to support youth mental health.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul: “We’ve all seen lives, in every…
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