Important: National Council Issues Statement on DOJ Memo on Disability Rights

The communication below is from our partners at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

On June 18, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo arguing that federal courts have misinterpreted decades of legal precedent protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities to be integrated in their communities.

These rights are derived in part from a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case, Olmstead v. L.C., which found that states are legally obligated to support the community integration of people with disabilities. For nearly 30 years, federal and state courts across the country have maintained and built on these legal protections.

The DOJ’s memo states that while discrimination against individuals with disabilities is still prohibited, states are not required to integrate such individuals into their communities to receive care.

It’s important to note that a federal agency memo is not legal precedent. Similar to an executive order, a memo does not carry the authority to overturn court decisions. However, it indicates the administration’s position on the issue.

The memo also does not overrule related federal statutes and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It does, however, signal that the DOJ may no longer choose to defend these positions when challenged in court.

In time, the DOJ’s interpretation could weaken important protections that help millions of people with disabilities and mental health conditions make decisions about their own care. Losing these protections would have serious consequences for individuals, families and communities.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has long advocated for and defended the rights of people with disabilities, and we remain committed to doing so. Yesterday, National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia released a statement echoing this commitment.

We will continue to monitor developments around this issue to ensure the protections outlined in Olmstead and codified in federal statutes and regulations remain in place.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions about the DOJ memo or any other related issues. Thank you for the work that you do.

SAMHSA Releases New Round of CCBHC Funding

SAMHSA has released the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) intended to support planning, development and implementation of CCBHCs and continuation of existing CCBHC programs.   Information on both SAMHSA NOFOs are included below and applications are due August17, 2026. 

• CCBHC-PDI: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC): Planning, Development, and Implementation Grant
  The purpose of this program is to develop and establish new Community Behavioral Health Clinics to address gaps in behavioral health services and improve the wellbeing of persons with mental health and substance use disorders. Eligibility is statutorily limited to community-based behavioral health non-profit organizations or organizations that are either (a) part of a local government behavioral health authority; or (b) operated under the authority of the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, or tribal organization; or (c) an Urban Indian Organization pursuant to a grant or contract with the Indian Health Service.  Proposed budgets cannot exceed $1million annually for up to 4 years.  SAMHSA anticipates awarding 94 applications.

• CCBHC-IA: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Improvement and Advancement
  The purpose of this program is to sustain and enhance services at existing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Eligibility is statutorily limited to community-based behavioral health non-profit organizations, or organizations that are either (a) part of a local government behavioral health authority; or (b) operated under the authority of the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, or tribal organization; or (c) an Urban Indian Organization pursuant to a grant or contract with the Indian Health Service Proposed budgets cannot exceed $1million annually for up to 4 years.  SAMHSA anticipates awarding 117 applications.

Ohio AI Leadership Summit - Sept. 10

The Ohio AI Leadership Summit takes place on Wednesday, September 10, 2026, at NEOMED in Rootstown, Ohio. This is a statewide event designed to bring together legislators, statewide leaders, funders, behavioral health providers, recovery organizations, workforce leaders, and community partners for a real, grounded conversation about how artificial intelligence is already reshaping the fields we work in.

The speakers and advisory voices gathered for this event represent national and statewide thought leadership. This is not a surface-level introduction to AI. It is a focused, practical day built for people who are responsible for organizations, services, and the communities they serve.

Registration is now open. Early bird pricing is available through August 1 with code EARLYBIRD100. Click here to register!

Governor DeWine Signs Capital Budget Bill

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 450 on June 15, 2026, the capital budget bill for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

“The investments we are announcing today build upon the work we have done to strengthen communities, support our workforce, and grow the economy over the last seven years,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects outlined in this budget will improve our parks, county fairgrounds, and historical sites; upgrade schools and classrooms to support the future workforce; promote safe and independent living for Ohioans with disabilities; continue building the mental healthcare system; and more. This capital budget impacts all Ohioans today and for the future.”

“This capital budget is about investing in the things that make strong communities possible,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “It reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for Ohio families in every aspect. From schools to workforce development, to local infrastructure and community spaces. These investments will serve Ohioans for years to come.” 

The capital budget includes a total of $3.7 billion in appropriations.

Capital budget highlights include investments to:

• Upgrade Ohio’s higher education classrooms, laboratories, and buildings to improve campus safety and efficiency and support the state’s future workforce.
• Support construction and renovation projects to strengthen Ohio’s behavioral health hospitals and for the development of a youth specialty care facility.
• Modernize and improve Ohio’s 76 state parks, which are nationally recognized as the best state park system in the country.
• Promote safer and more functional residential options for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
• Renovate correctional institutions across the state to ensure inmate and staff safety.
• Support construction and renovation projects at more than 50 Ohio historical sites and museums, including the completion of the new Poindexter Village Museum and the reimagined Ohio River Museum.
• Enhance Ohio Fire Academy training facilities to provide a safer, more advanced, scenario-based training environment.
• Improve local community and regional areas, including parks, trails, historical sites, and county fairgrounds to support recreation and tourism across the state.