Objective:To illustrate the process of developing and sustaining an academic-publichealth partnership for behavioral health integration through an expansion of theAligning Systems for Health (ASfH) framework.Study Setting:Practice-informed primary data (2017–2023) from the Holistic Oppor-tunity Program for Everyone (HOPE) Initiative based in Charlotte, NC.Study Design:The unit of analysis in this descriptive case study is inter-organizational, specifically focusing on an academic-public health relationship. Weillustrate the partnership process across the ASfH four core areas, including key chal-lenges and insights.Data Collection:Utilized a Critical Moments Reflection methodology and review ofHOPE program data.Principal Findings:(1) Formal partnership structures and processes are essential tomonitoring the four ASfH core components for on-going system alignment. (2) Align-ing systems for health principally involves two ecologies: (i) the health program and(ii) the partnership. The vitality and sustainability of both ecologies require continuousattention and resource investment. (3) Relationships rest at the heart of aligning sys-tems. (4) With comparative advantages in research methods, the academic sector isespecially poised to collaborate with healthcare systems and human service organiza-tions to study, develop, implement, and scale evidence-based health interventions.Conclusions:The academic sector shares overlapping purposes with the publichealth, healthcare, and social services sectors while providing complementary value.It is a critical sectoral partner in advancing population health and health equity.