The Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah has appointed Steve Eliason, MBA, CPA, as its inaugural Senior Director of Behavioral Health Policy. In this role, Eliason will serve as the primary liaison with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy organizations to shape public policy and improve mental health outcomes across Utah and beyond. He will develop and execute a comprehensive behavioral health policy agenda aligned with the Institute’s strategic goals and serve as a public spokesperson on mental health policy issues.
Eliason brings extensive experience in mental health advocacy and policy development. During his tenure in the Utah House of Representatives, he sponsored over 40 pieces of legislation specifically pertaining to mental health. In 2018, he served as co-chair of the Governor’s Teen Suicide Prevention Task Force and continues as a trustee for Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), a nonprofit dedicated to helping mental health providers counsel patients on reducing access to firearms and other lethal means. He has presented before the American Psychiatric Association, Mental Health America, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and received numerous awards for his advocacy work.
Eliason worked to help establish the ZERO Suicide Initiative and the Collaborative Care Program, both aimed at reducing suicide rates and improving mental health outcomes. He is a University of Utah alumnus and former adjunct faculty member. According to Brett Graham, interim CEO of Huntsman Mental Health Institute: “Steve 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.” Graham noted that while Eliason has long been “an invaluable partner,” this official appointment represents expanded leadership capacity for the Institute. “Ultimately, his work will touch—and elevate—all the Institute does,” Graham said, “and the organization is pleased to have him on board as it continues the work to make its vision a reality.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/news/2025/10/huntsman-mental-health-institute-university-of-utah-welcomes-steve-eliason