07/01/26
Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green launches WGA Chair initiative – Health Beyond Healthcare
Upon becoming Chair of the Western Governors' Association (WGA) at the 2026 Annual Meeting, Hawai’i Governor Josh Green launched a yearlong bipartisan policy initiative, entitled Health Beyond Healthcare, aimed at improving mental health outcomes by expanding access to care while addressing the broader factors that shape health and well-being.
Recognizing that clinical care alone accounts for only a portion of overall health outcomes, the Health Beyond Healthcare initiative will examine how housing, early intervention, education, workforce development, community connections, and other social and environmental factors influence mental health, while identifying strategies that improve access to quality healthcare and long-term well-being.
"Access to healthcare is one of the defining challenges facing the West," said Governor Green. "But health doesn't begin in a doctor’s office. It begins where we live, learn, work, and play. Through this initiative, we have an opportunity to work together across state lines to improve access to care, strengthen our communities and advance practical, bipartisan solutions that improve lives."
Watch Governor Green speak about the inspiration behind the Health Beyond Healthcare initiative in the video below.
You can also help WGA design and execute the initiative by taking a brief survey to identify: (1) the effects of current approaches on mental health outcomes in the West; (2) priority issues for gubernatorial leadership to consider in addressing comprehensive mental health services and resources; (3) best practices for improving mental health outcomes; (4) federal policy issues for potential WGA advocacy; and (5) individuals or organizations interested in participating in the initiative, including workshops and webinars.
For sponsorship opportunities, email WGA Development Director Sarah Olsen at [email protected].