Skip to main content

Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention (OBHPP)

In coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention is dedicated to creating and supporting positive population-level impacts via upstream behavioral health promotion and prevention initiatives.

The Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention (OBHPP) is a newly established key Office within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH). In coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), it is dedicated to creating and supporting positive population-level impacts via upstream behavioral health promotion and prevention initiatives.

OBHPP has been tasked with the coordination of all executive office, state agency, independent agency, and state commission activities that promote behavioral health and wellness. The office is responsible for setting internal goals for the promotion of services and programming for behavioral health and substance use conditions, integrating health equity principles, and applying a health equity framework to all its duties and obligations. The office is required to evaluate the effectiveness of promotion and prevention initiatives and report annually on its progress and the Commonwealth's overall progress in 1) promoting behavioral health, 2) preventing substance use, 3) prevention of violence, and 4) using quantifiable measures and comparative benchmarks.

OBHPP works in partnership with the Commission for Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention and is dedicated to creating and supporting positive population-level impacts via upstream behavioral health promotion and prevention initiatives. OBHPP will work alongside other public health initiatives, integrating behavioral health promotion and physical health efforts to ensure holistic approaches to community wellness.

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.

OBHPP Vision & Mission Statements

Vision Statement

Our vision is a thriving and resilient Commonwealth where behavioral health promotion and prevention are fully integrated into every aspect of community, fostering a culture of well-being, health equity, and empowerment where all can engage fully in life.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness among the Commonwealth’s residents. We are committed to statewide coordination and implementation of innovative, evidence-informed, data-driven, and trauma-informed strategies to advance behavioral health promotion and the prevention of mental health conditions, including substance use. We aim to eliminate stigma, racial discrimination, and social inequities to strengthen Commonwealth residents' overall quality of life.​

Health Equity Statement

We are committed to ensuring fair and just pathways for behavioral health promotion and prevention initiatives for all, centering those with historically marginalized identities, including people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, people who are incarcerated, veterans, LGBTQ+, and non-English speaking individuals. We prioritize accessibility, timeliness, affordability, cultural sensitivity, high-quality initiatives, and eliminating inequities through community engagement, trauma-informed initiatives, and data-driven approaches. We advocate for policies that support behavioral health equity for all.

Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Commission

The Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Commission was established in August 2018 with Governor Baker’s signing into law of chapter 208, section 1 of the Acts of 2018.

The commission is charged with working to promote positive mental, emotional and behavioral health and early intervention for persons with a mental illness, and to prevent substance use disorders among residents of the Commonwealth. The commission is chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and is comprised of a diverse panel of policymakers, public health professionals, legal experts, and clinicians appointed by the Governor.

Learn more about The Commission 

Legislative Mandate

This Office was established under MGL Chapter 177 Sec .4 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter177)

Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM)

Focusing our efforts in the areas of the state experiencing the greatest disparities. As we go through and examine our existing investments and programs, it is important to have a clear, data-driven understanding of where health disparities are most profound. Knowing this will enable us to focus our efforts. 

Learn more aboutAdvancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) 

OBHPP Community Listening Sessions

Register by Tuesday, May 6th

Contact

Online

Email Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention (OBHPP) at dmh-obhpp@mass.gov

Address

25 Staniford St, Boston, MA 02114
Directions 

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback