At Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah, our vision to drive transformative change in patient care, education, research, and policy underscores all we do. This elevates our Institute as the leading resource on mental health and substance use disorders at the community, state, and national level. Through our continued strategic work to support this goal, we have identified the clear need for expanded policy and advocacy leadership.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute is pleased to announce that Steve Eliason, MBA, CPA, will officially join the organization as its inaugural Senior Director of Behavioral Health Policy. Though Steve has long been an invaluable partner, advocating for expanded mental health legislation as a member of the Utah House of Representatives, he will now join the Institute in this official capacity to serve as the primary liaison with policy makers, government agencies, and advocacy organizations to help shape public policy and improve mental health outcomes across Utah and beyond.
Role and Responsibilities
In addition to developing and executing a comprehensive behavioral health policy agenda that aligns with the Institute's strategic goals, Steve will collaborate with leaders across the university and academic health system to promote and improve services. He will help identify and deliver on key metrics related to policy impact and will serve as a public spokesperson on public policy issues related to mental health.
Distinguished Background
鈥淪teve has a long history of supporting this work, sponsoring over 40 pieces of legislation specifically pertaining to mental health during his tenure in the Utah House of Representatives,鈥 said Brett Graham, interim CEO, Huntsman Mental Health Institute. In 2018, Steve served as co-chair of the Governor's Teen Suicide Prevention Task Force, and he continues to serve as a trustee for Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)鈥攁 non-profit dedicated to helping mental health providers counsel patients on reducing access to firearms and other lethal means.
He has presented in front of the American Psychiatric Association, Mental Health America, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and received numerous awards for his advocacy work. Steve worked to help establish the ZERO Suicide Initiative and the Collaborative Care Program. Steve is also a proud University of Utah alumnus and former adjunct faculty member.
Looking Forward
鈥淭hough Steve is no stranger to the organization,鈥 Graham says, 鈥渨e officially welcome him to the team. Ultimately, his work will touch鈥攁nd elevate鈥攁ll the Institute does, and the organization is pleased to have him on board as it continues the work to make its vision a reality.鈥