Nevada Northern Regional Behavioral Health Policy Board gains new chair Taylor Allison

The Nevada Northern Regional Behavioral Health Policy Board elected Taylor Allison, executive director of Partnership Douglas County, as their new chair on Feb. 26.

“Our board is comprised of 13 passionate individuals focusing on a common goal,” Allison said. “Together, we can move the needle and help improve the lives of patients and families in Northern Nevada.”

Dr. Ali Banister, chief of Carson City Juvenile Probation Services, was elected vice chair.

“Having Ali help lead the board is a tremendous asset,” Allison said. “To be able to collaborate with the extremely knowledgeable and dedicated individuals on this board is to know that more successes are imminent.”

Allison reiterated she was grateful to be on such a powerhouse team, adding that Jessica Flood, MSW, is the board’s regional behavioral health coordinator and the “driving force behind the northern region’s success, including legislative success.” In 2018, the board used its allotted bill draft request to develop legislation that clarified and standardized the mental health crisis hold process across Nevada.

The 2019 Nevada Legislature passed the Northern Board’s legislation, AB 85, with broad support — achieved by gathering a statewide stakeholder group including courts, district attorneys, public defenders, hospitals, psychiatrists, peer and family advocates as well as law enforcement, so the bill could address diverse aspects of the mental health crisis hold process.

Allison was initially appointed to the board in 2017 by former Governor Brian Sandoval. She was re-appointed to her position by fellow board members following a legislative change in 2019 to Nevada’s policy boards’ structure.

With over 10 years’ experience in public and behavioral health programming and policy, Allison also serves on the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition Board of Directors in addition to her work at Partnership Douglas County. Partnership is one of Nevada’s ten nonprofit, community-based coalitions aimed at improving the health of Nevada’s residents.

In 2017, the Nevada Legislature created four Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards through the passage of AB 366. In the 2017 legislative session, AB 76 passed, changing existing Nevada law defining the behavioral health policy board regions, membership and mandates. With the passage of AB 76, NRS 433.4295 directs the now five Regional Behavioral Health Policy Boards to address specific behavioral health needs of each region.

The Northern Regional Behavioral Health Policy Board oversees the northern region composed of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties. The board is focused on community diversion and crisis stabilization — with priorities including aligning with Crisis Now, a statewide initiative for effective crisis care; sustainable funding for local criminal justice diversion and reentry programs such as Mobile Outreach Safety Teams (MOST); regional Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement; and further revising NRS 433A to reduce stigma, improve patient rights and standardize care.

The following are other members serving on the Northern Regional Behavioral Health Policy Board:
• Nicki Aaker, MSN, MPH, RN – Director, Carson City Health & Human Services
• Sandie Draper – Board Member, NAMI Western Nevada
• Dave Forgerson, MPA – Deputy Chief, East Fork Fire Protection District (prior chair)
• Ken Furlong – Carson City Sheriff
• Shayla Holmes – Director and Public Guardian, Lyon County Human Services
• Amy Hyne-Sutherland – Development Officer, Carson Tahoe Health
• Matt Law – Insurer, Health Benefits Associates
• Dr. Joseph McEllistrem – Director of Forensic Health Services, Carson City and Douglas County Jails
• Adrienne Renwick, CPC – Clinical Supervisor, Community Chest
• Lana Robards – Director, New Frontier Treatment Center
• Dr. Robin Titus – Assemblywoman, Nevada Legislature

About Partnership Douglas County

Partnership Douglas County is a nonprofit coalition based in Minden, Nev. The organization promotes a healthy community through education and resource connection, from advocacy and special projects or events to youth, family and Latino programs. Partnership also offers a variety of services and resources which assist with physical and mental health, overcoming addiction and finding answers to questions regarding basic needs, disabilities, senior care and veterans.