Healthcare Delivery

Governors know that improving the health of citizens is not only essential to ensuring they live productive lives, but also to controlling health care costs and balancing budgets; as a result, states are leading on a wide array of health reform initiatives.

Governors are focused on finding ways to pay for and deliver care that will lead to improved quality, better outcomes and lower costs in their states. To support these priorities, NGA provides information, research synthesis, policy analysis, technical assistance, special projects, and resources to Governors and their staff on healthcare delivery topics including: Healthcare workforce; Long-term care and older adults; Healthcare and pharmaceutical cost and coverage; Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma informed care; Health equity. NGA also provides special opportunities for states to engage in more in-depth technical assistance such as through policy academies, learning collaboratives, workshops, and roundtables on these topics.

Services Available

  • Strategic planning facilitation and best practice guidance on healthcare delivery topics or initiatives
  • Strategic guidance, feedback and meeting facilitation support to Governor-appointed healthcare workforce, health equity, trauma, and insurance boards or commissions
  • Annual HHS Advisors Institute for state leaders on emerging healthcare delivery issues
  • Regular communications and briefings to health policy advisors on healthcare delivery topics
  • Customized research briefs and best practice presentations upon request

Program Contact:

  • Anna Heard, Senior Policy Analyst, Health
  • Chyenne Tran, Policy Analyst
  • Grace Burns, Policy Coordinator

Focus Areas

Featured Projects

Next Generation of the Healthcare Workforce Project Year 3 – Policy Academy and Knowledge Exchange Network

NGA launched the Next Generation of the Healthcare Workforce project in 2022 with support from HRSA. The project supports Governors’ offices and other senior state officials in implementing strategies to strengthen and grow the next generation of the healthcare workforce. Year three of this project will focus on a policy academy and learning network to lay the foundation for new initiatives, funding opportunities, or administrative policies for improving healthcare workforce.


Health Equity Learning Network

In 2023, the NGA Center convened states to discuss approaches and communication strategies regarding health equity. In 2024, the NGA Center will facilitate a learning network of states and territories interested in advancing their health equity goals.


Healthcare Delivery Library

The Governor’s Guide to Public Health Preparedness

The Governor’s Guide to Public Health Preparedness

(View/Download) Executive Summary Beginning on their first day in office, governors must prepare for emergencies of all types. Along with providing for the public’s safety, governors must also think about ...
Recognizing Fentanyl Awareness Day

Recognizing Fentanyl Awareness Day

May 7, 2024, is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness of the ongoing overdose crisis along with the dangers of fentanyl and its devastating impact on communities ...
State Considerations for the 42 CFR Part 8 Rule

State Considerations for the 42 CFR Part 8 Rule

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the National Governors Association (NGA) health team hosted individuals representing 20 states at a virtual meeting of the Opioid State Action Network (OSAN). This month’s ...
The Emerging Field of Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals

The Emerging Field of Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals

State Regulatory Approaches for Peer Specialists, Community Health Workers and Behavioral Health Technicians/Aides (Download) Historically, the workforce supporting behavioral health has generally included health professionals with a master’s degree or ...
Health Equity Learning Network Kickoff

Health Equity Learning Network Kickoff

With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) launched a Health Equity Learning Network to explore policy solutions and ...
Governors’ Health Priorities In 2024 State Of The State Addresses

Governors’ Health Priorities In 2024 State Of The State Addresses

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 ...

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