Fostering Collaborative Partnerships: Lessons from Primary and Behavioral Healthcare Associations

From 2018 to 2024, the Delta Center for a Thriving Safety Net invested in partnerships between state primary care associations and behavioral health associations to advance policy and practice change for a better integrated system of care. In June 2025, the Delta Center hosted a webinar with partners National Association of Community Health Centers and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing showcasing best practices and lessons learned in forging sustainable, effective partnerships throughout the Delta Center initiative. 

Past Delta Center grantees from Oklahoma and New York primary care and behavioral health associations shared about their experiences forming partnerships to strengthen bi-directional primary care and behavioral health integration. Panelists discussed lessons learned in building and sustaining partnerships including: 

• Intentional relationship building across associations
• Opportunities for collective action
• Centering people with lived experiences