H20 - Grounded in Data, Powered by Community: Building the Behavioral Health Systems We Need

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM MDT

Location: Bluebird 2G

How can behavioral health leaders cut through complexity to drive real system change? This session brings together state and county leaders from New York, Washington State, and North Dakota with a systems researcher to share how comprehensive analysis—grounded in reliable data and authentic community engagement—can guide strategic planning and improvement. Presenters will highlight real-world examples of using system analysis to identify gaps, build on strengths, and chart actionable paths forward. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for envisioning an “ideal” behavioral health system and concrete strategies for aligning values, data, and community voice to create lasting impact.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to describe how comprehensive system analysis, grounded in reliable data and inclusive community engagement, can guide strategic planning and system improvement.
Participants will be able to identify key values, expectations, and core components of a practical framework for envisioning an “ideal” behavioral health system.
Participants will be able to apply lessons from real-world case examples to recognize system gaps, leverage strengths, and foster sustainable, community-rooted change.

Disclosure(s):

Bevin Croft, MPP, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose

Laura Anderson, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Joleen Darby, CPRP: No financial relationships to disclose

Sam Jackle: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

Bevin Croft, MPP, PhD

Senior Research Associate and Director of Behavioral Health
Human Services Research Institute
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Slides
Laura Anderson, MPH

Policy Director
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Division
Bismarck, North Dakota

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Joleen Darby, CPRP

Special Projects Director
Ulster County Department of Mental Health
Kingston, New York

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Sam Jackle

Human Services Division Manager
Walla Walla County Department of Community Health
Walla Walla, Washington

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose