January 2003 NACBHDD Newsletter
The monthly newsletter for the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Directors
In this Issue...
NACBHD 2003 Legislative Conference:
Strengthening Alliances For Local System Survival
Keynote Speaker: Willam Moyers
We are delighted to have William Moyers with us this year to kick off NACBHD's Legislative Conference: Strengthening Alliances for Local System Survival. It will be held February 26 - 28th at the Jurys Washington Hotel in Washington, DC. Mr. Moyers is an active, articulate spokesperson for the substance abuse recovery movement, as well as substance abuse parity legislation. He will speak on these subjects and his own experience with substance abuse treatment and recovery. We look forward to a meaningful and important presentation.
Nowhere else can you get such current, relevant policy information! We have extended an invitation to Senator Deborah Stabenow (D-MI), who will address the conference on her priorities for this coming congressional session. As a social worker, former county supervisor, and friend to our county authorities in Michigan, we are pleased to have Senator Stabenow with us this year.
Congressional updates from our policy partners, federal agency briefings, and a report from CMS round out the agenda. The Children's Behavioral Health Update is back with a larger, improved panel. Bob Egnew, NACBHD's Government Relations Director, will provide an in-depth perspective of our own agenda and the priorities we have set for the New Year.
Several sessions are new this year. The Developmental Disabilities Update consists of organizations such as The ARC-US and the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems that have been working tirelessly on behalf of the DD community. It will be enlightening to hear their policy agenda and priorities for 2003. A Roundtable has been implemented that will provide attendees the opportunity to discuss the most critical issues in detail, ask questions of the experts, and find out what colleagues have experienced regarding that issue. In addition, Tom Joseph, Deputy Legislative Representative of Los Angeles County and former Assistant Legislative Director at the National Association of Counties (NACo), will facilitate a discussion on the best strategies for influencing federal legislators regarding local/county concerns. He will assist us in defining what it takes to reach policy makers at the national level and how we should best couch our issues for the greatest impact.
In tough budget times, it is imperative that county authorities ban together to ensure that our voice is heard. This is the place to impact federal policy; and this is the time to gather the momentum we need for the challenges ahead. Registration brochures are in the mail. Contact the NACBHD office to receive one at (202) 234-7543 or Lauren@nacbhd.org. Register online at www.nacbhd.org.
An Interview with Legislative Conference Keynote Speaker William Moyers
We are pleased to welcome William Moyers as the first keynote speaker at our annual Legislative Conference. Moyers, an active advocate for substance abuse recovery and substance abuse parity, is Vice President for External Affairs at the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota. He recently spoke with NACBHD about advocacy and his personal experience.
Moyers discussed his "call to action" in which he challenges mental health professionals and people who work in local government to become advocates for change. "We can't just talk about problems caused by mental illness and addiction. We need to start talking about success with access to comprehensive community based treatment. The responsibility lies in particular with people who work in the front lines like the people at this conference." In addition, he noted that "Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate and we know that so many that struggle with mental illness struggle with addiction."
His call to action engages policymakers, professionals, and the public to stand up and speak out about the power of treatment and recovery. This is particularly challenging during fiscally difficult times. Moyers believes, " We need to become good advocates for what we know works. People with mental illness or addiction are not bad people, but 'good people with a bad illness.'" And, so many of county problems are directly derived from substance abuse and mental illness. "If we want to confront homelessness, crime, domestic violence, and unemployment, we must be willing to confront the reality that all these problems are largely due to substance abuse and mental illness."
In terms of advocacy, there are several things Moyers urges people to do:
It is crucial for people to highlight their own experiences. "Policymakers don't get it until a personal story is used." Moyers uses his own personal experience with alcoholism and substance abuse to highlight the power of addiction and the power and possibility of recovery, speaking out all over the country about issues that effect people at the county level.
Moyers feels that the substance abuse field has not done a good job with the issue of shame and stigma - that there is still the "misbelief that people don't recover." He noted that it is a significant challenge at the county level for people to stand up and "put a face on" addiction and recovery, particularly at a time when more responsibility may be falling to counties because of state budget crises.
"The key is to convert the interest and passion to action." The lack of action is what has dogged the substance abuse field. Moyers said the stakes couldn't be higher; and it is cheaper for the country in the long run - it pays dividends to all of society. "I'm the prime example. I pay state and local and property taxes, all because I can hold a job."
Moyers' was an award-winning journalist for 15 years for CNN and Newsday. He has been at Hazelden since 1996, which he characterizes as his "life's calling," where he weds his "extreme practical experience with substance abuse with his professional experience as a journalist."
Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems: New Project Examines Cost and Access Issues
NACBHD recently spoke with Dr. Eric Goplerud, Director of Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, a new policy and research initiative of the George Washington University Medical Center. Currently operating under a two-year grant from the Pew
Charitable Trusts, the project concentrates on cost and access issues related to alcohol treatment and services. "The program focuses on the patchwork of funding for alcohol services and how this effects the delivery of care," explained Goplerud. He notes that issues related to coverage for alcohol treatment and services impact county behavioral health directors because the county can be "the integrator and payer of last resort."
Ensuring Solution's first report "Workplace Solutions: Treating Alcohol Problems Through Employment-Based Health Insurance" examined the serious lack of private health insurance coverage for alcohol treatment, and found that what is available depends on where one lives and works, not necessarily the care needed. State insurance laws make a difference; there are only seven states with insurance laws that require parity in alcohol treatment and in states without such laws employees and families may experience gaps in the care covered. In addition, there are significant gaps in coverage by large, self-insuring employers. A quarter of the plans studied did not meet their state's minimum alcohol treatment coverage requirements. As Goplerud explains, "The impact of all this for county behavioral health directors is if coverage that covers 59% of all Americans does not adequately cover alcohol treatment, the likelihood is that those people will knock on their doors or go without." The report also addressed restrictions on inpatient and outpatient care days, lack of coverage for intensive outpatient treatment, lack of coverage to coordinate care, and voluntary offering by some employers for equal coverage of alcohol treatment. Full details of the report can be viewed at the Ensuring Solutions web site (see address below).
The report is the first in a series over the next few years that will examine the stream of funding for alcohol treatment. They will be available on the web site and include: public opinion finding on attitudes and knowledge about alcohol problems and treatment; strengths and weaknesses of Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Plans; the impact of Medicare benefits limitations on access to alcohol treatment; and a parity study of current federal and state laws and regulations. In addition, Ensuring Solutions will release a series of issue briefs, including one on alcohol and avoidable costs, concentrating on the automobile industry (January 2003). A series of primers on topics related to alcohol treatment is also planned; the first will examine alcohol as a disease and how it compares to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Another planned primer topic is employee assistance programs. Fact sheets are also available on the web site, as well as a research tool to examine how alcohol treatment services are covered in a given area.
Goplerud noted that while looking at expanding coverage is going to be difficult, improving access and treatment for what is a real physical illness will improve utilization. Specifically, he referred to the effect of improving access to treatment as having an impact on the adherence to treatment for co-occurring chronic conditions and the consequences of tragedies such as alcohol-related car accidents. In other words, "If you avoid the short term costs of treating alcohol problems, you will end up paying for it in a more costly and catastrophic way." On the other hand, the costs of parity are low. In emphasizing states' crucial role in taking the lead in parity, Goplerud reported that in North Carolina, where there is a state-mandated parity benefit for substance abuse and mental health for state government employees, a $.05 per employee per month premium increase yielded a parity benefit for alcohol treatment.
At the end of the two-year grant funded cycle, Goplerud hopes to have raised the prominence of issues related to alcohol access and treatment, highlight the costs and benefits of treatment, and to provide tools to county behavioral health directors, advocates, and business leaders, so that they can promote access. He encourages NACBHD members to periodically check the Ensuring Solutions web site at www.ensuringsolutions.org, and sign up for the e-newsletter, which will provide alerts to upcoming publications. He welcomes the opportunity to speak with county leaders. He can be contacted at (202) 530-2303 or Goplerud@gwu.edu. Members may also contact Pat Taylor, Ensuring Solutions Deputy Director, at pataylor@gwu.edu.
CSAT's Treatment Improvement Protocols
Karl White, Project Officer for SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Knowledge Application Program and Christina Currier, the Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) task leader, characterize TIPs as a "free resource for all mental health providers" and urge professionals to "take full advantage of them." TIPs are best practice guidelines for substance abuse treatment.
TIPs development
TIPs take about 24 to 30 months to develop. The TIPs Editorial Advisory Board, composed of distinguished substance abuse experts and primary care, mental health, and social service professionals, and State Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Directors, develop TIP topics based on current needs. Then, CSAT invites staff from federal agencies and national organizations to a Resource Panel that reviews specific areas for consideration. Soon after that a Consensus Panel of non-federal experts is held, with the information and recommendations on which they reach consensus forming the basis of the TIP. Consensus Panel representatives are from substance abuse treatment programs, hospitals, community health centers, counseling programs, criminal justice and child welfare agencies, and private practitioners. The draft TIP is reviewed by a large, diverse expert group; changes are incorporated, and the TIP is prepared for publication. Each TIP includes an evidence base for the practice it recommends if possible, but because the field is evolving and research may lag behind innovations in the field, each TIP also aims to communicate "frontline" information as quickly as possible.
New and revised TIPs
Upcoming new or revised TIPs are listed below. Some will be available as early 2003. Check the SAMHSA web site regularly for updates.
Those interested in becoming in involved with TIPs as a field reviewer, panelist, or writer may contact Christina Currier at ccurrier@samhsa.gov. TIPs can be viewed online at the National Library of Medicine (accessed directly or through the TIPs page at the SAMHSA web site). In addition, up to five free hard copies may be ordered` from the National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information (NCADI) through the electronic catalog at www.health.org/about/Questions.aspx or at 1-800-729-6686.
Call for Proposals for NACBHD's 2003 Annual Conference
July 10 - 12th, Milwaukee, WI
Theme - Corrections and Behavioral Health
Session topics should examine a facet of this issue, introduce an expert in the field and/or showcase the accomplishments of a local program. Respond at NACBHD's web site Conference Section at www.nacbhd.org. New Deadline - January 17th.
California's Multicultural Mental Health Brochure Project
The California Institute for Mental Health's (CIMH) Center for Multicultural Development has developed a series of informational packages (including brochures, interactive compact discs, and tabletop posters) to educate consumers, family members, service providers, and the general public about mental health, mental illness, treatment, and services. Funded by the state department of mental health and Eli Lilly, the project addresses mental health topics relevant to both adults and children in the languages of the populations mostly frequently served in California. Information about 12 mental health topics (six adult and six child) was translated into Spanish, Russian, Cambodian, Tagolog, Vietnamese, and Cantonese. The topics were as follows:
Adults
Children
The brochures are rich with National Institute of Mental Health science-based information and resources, as well as contact information for a variety of national organizations and information unique to California's system of service.
Bob Martinez, Director of the CIMH Center for Multicultural Development, emphasized that the brochures are "very colorful and nicely done," and convey a positive message about mental illness as treatable, with an emphasis on seeking treatment and services (where to go and what kind of treatment to seek). Each cultural and age group is represented by graphics and photos. The interactive cds will have someone providing narration in the given language about the topics. Martinez feels these will be particularly useful in libraries and waiting rooms. He added, "Watching and listening can be very powerful, especially for clients who cannot read well."
Work on the project took about two years. The center contracted with outside agencies for translation and graphics. There was a three-tiered process for developing the information. First, the brochures were produced in the languages and then forwarded to CIMH for review along with comments on how the translations were made and recommendations for changes based on cultural concerns related to each language and culture. Second, CIMH worked with Santa Clara County and Sacramento County to provide culturally and ethnically diverse mental health professionals to review the brochures for content and language in their first language (one of the six languages). Third, focus groups of mental health consumers from the cultural and ethnic populations involved were conducted. These focus groups yielded additional changes that were then included in the brochures.
Martinez explained that this type of project has never been done before, and that many interesting issues emerged in developing the project. For example, some cultures have no terminology for certain mental health concepts (e.g., there may be no equivalent for behavioral therapy in Cantonese). The Hmong language was considered for inclusion in the project, but because it is a relatively new language it is difficult to translate, and will be included at a later time. Also, there are differing cultural views of mental illness. But, despite these issues and questions, Martinez noted, "It is important to get this out - mental health directors needed this tool, just as evidence-based practice is needed."
In addition, Martinez said, "It is important that cultural competence is on all our radar screens. Greater than 50% of our population is represented by ethnic populations. The need will be even greater in the next few years. This is a tool that organizations can use to be helpful to their customers."
The brochures will be marketed to all public mental health systems in California. These entities will be encouraged to "personalize" the brochures with local information and utilize them in their outreach and education efforts. Then the brochures will used in a series of public service announcements through television, radio, and print media outlets. While the project is initially focused on California services, Martinez believes there will be wider interest in this type of information. Contact: Bob Martinez, Director, Center for Multicultural Development, California Institute for Mental Health, (916) 556-3480, ext. 125, email: bmartinez@cimh.org. A descriptive of the project will be available at www.cimh.org.
NACBHD 2003 Membership Campaign Update
We are at 175 renewals and climbing! Thank you very much to all those who have stepped up again this year to make sure that NACBHD's voice is heard throughout the public behavioral health policy community. In tough times, this is the only place to be! Join us. Renew your membership today. Welcome new 2003 members:
Renew online at www.nacbhd.org or contact the NACBHD office for an application at (202) 234-7543 or Lauren@nacbhd.org.
State Associations in the News
Budget Reductions in Virginia
NACBHD recently spoke with Mary Ann Bergeron, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB), about state budget reductions and advocacy.
Budget Reductions
In October, Virginia's Governor Warner announced a 10% reduction in state general funds. In response to this reduction, the Coalition of Mentally Disabled Citizens of Virginia requested that consumers and families write to the governor and requested that there be no more cuts. In addition, the coalition found stories of those at risk for losing services and the impact of those potential loss of services, and developed them into press releases in support of their argument for no more cuts. In late December the governor released the budget through June 2004, with no further cuts. The governor did not reduce general funding dollars anymore than what occurred in October. This budget did not include the community reinvestment projects outlined by the governor in which state provided services would be transferred to community management. Bergeron is pleased with the effect of Virginia's advocacy efforts. "The advocacy worked for no more cuts and there were some amendments by the governor to address some community medication shortfall and diversion of people with mental illness from state facilities to community hospitals." In the Medicaid budget, "We were very pleased that there were no rate reductions."
The governor has proposed a freeze on Medicaid rates at the 2002 level. "One of the losses of this attempt to reduce Medicaid is that Medicaid reimbursed substance abuse services were "x'ed out." This would have meant about $10 million of substance abuse services for consumers with addiction problems. Bergeron reported that what's missing from the budget is still a tremendous need for people with mental illness who are not covered by Medicaid but who need the same kind of services. The 10% reduction may impact those people. Also, over 800 individuals with severe mental retardation are waiting for a Medicaid waiver slot, and no new slots are proposed in this budget.
Advocacy
Next, the budget goes to the general assembly, whose 45-day session begins January 8 and lasts through the last Saturday in February. Bergeron says there will definitely be advocacy on the part of the coalition in the following areas:
During this short time, Bergeron also predicts that 2000-2500 bills and resolutions also will be introduced to the general assembly. Regional budget hearings in four different state locations will take place on December 30 and January13; Bergeron expects that both meetings will be well attended by advocates. VACSB will advocate for the community reinvestment programs outlined by the governor, as well as the three areas mentioned above.
Bergeron says that this year the VACSB took the "radical step" (because they had never been involved in tax issues) of voting to support revenue enhancement through increased tobacco and alcohol taxes. (34 of the 39 members surveyed voted to support it.) "When legislators ask where the money is coming from, we will tell them to look at these revenue enhancements." She noted that increased taxes in other states have raised revenues for the general fund of the state, have decreased youth smoking, and have offset the healthcare costs associated with alcohol and tobacco use. Support for this in Virginia is widespread -- more than 60% of people surveyed would support a tobacco tax increase.
There are some critical elements to successful advocacy, as far as Bergeron is concerned. Advocacy efforts were successful in Virginia this year because all the elements were in place. She referred to the importance of cooperative partnerships across the following areas:
"The key is to do exceptional work at the grass roots level and make sure the community folks have the information they need at the local level."
In emphasizing the importance of consumers working at the grass roots level, she added, "When individual consumers become involved and make their case to public policy decision makers who live where they are and when there are cooperative partnerships between all the parties - this makes advocacy work." (One benefit of Virginia's part-time legislature is that state legislators are from many walks of life and have the opportunity to see the needs of their constituents at the community level.) Bergeron also credited the state's secretary of Health and Human Resources, Jane Woods, as "an exceptional advocate" and noted that the governor understands community mental health issues and systems and "what people need where they are."
Like This Article?
The NACBHD Bulletin's "State Associations in the News" column provides state association directors an ideal opportunity to describe their latest developments, legislative initiatives, program challenges, accomplishments or upcoming events. Contact newsletter writer/coordinator Nancy Sydnor-Greenberg at nesydnor@erols.com to tell your story and get the word out!
From the Hill
By Robert Egnew, Government Affairs, NACBHD
The 108th Congress will begin in January and as a result of elections, people expect that the general tone of the discussion will move to the political right. The Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert (R-IL) has already informed committee chairs that they must conform to the White House priorities. With the Senate Majority Leader position up for grabs, there is less certainty regarding what the tenor in the Senate will be. As the result of the election, there will clearly be more pressure on Senate moderate Republicans to conform to the party line. One can anticipate that moderates will have to pick their battles carefully since the Republicans have control of the Senate and their success, or lack thereof, will be fodder for the 2004 elections.
With that as the political background, it appears that most of the budget bills and major legislation such as TANF will be consolidated into a "reconciliation bill" which means very few, if any, amendments and it will pass by a simple majority vote in the Senate. Thus, the ability to change some of the provisions regarding TANF and other major bills will be extremely limited or non-existent.
Mental Health Parity will continue to be an issue in the 108th Congress. Senator Domenici was scheduled to have a meeting with President Bush during the recess to discuss the bill. Having attended some meetings on the Hill regarding the increase in health costs, I would be surprised if a full parity bill would have a chance of passing. It may mean that the mental health constituency will have to decide if they are willing to settle for a partial parity bill covering only severe mental illness or not having a parity bill pass during this session of Congress. A partial parity bill would be similar to the one the President signed into law when he was Governor of Texas.
The picture of what is possible or not possible will become clearer after Congress begins its work on the '02 budget in terms of continuing resolutions or a "reconciliation bill" and as they begin working on the '03 budget.
Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act
From Jeffery Davis, Chair, Corrections and Behavioral Health Committee and Administrator, Marion County Health Department, Salem, Oregon
Senators Leahy, Grassley, Cantwell, Brownback, and Domenici introduced this offender treatment and crime reduction act in the 2002 Congress. The purpose of the bill was to foster local collaborations, which would ensure that resources are effectively and efficiently used within the criminal and juvenile justice system. The bill died at the end of the 2002 Congress because of the lack of a hearing.
The following facts support this act:
These facts clearly indicate a need for a federal effort to improve treatment for adults and juveniles in the criminal justice system.
The purpose of such legislation is to increase public safety by facilitating collaboration among the criminal justice, juvenile justice, mental health treatment and substance abuse systems. Such collaboration is needed to:
Such legislation would have two phases. The first phase would be a year planning phase with funding level around $75,000. The second phase would be an implementation phase of five years with the Federal share being 80% in year two, 60% in year three, and 25% in years 4 and 5. The non-Federal share of payments made under the legislation would be made in cash or in-kind fairly evaluated, including planned equipment or services.
NACBHD and NACo should push for the re-introduction of legislation like this to stimulate the development of programs that, based on best practices, will improve treatment for adults with mental illness in the criminal justice system and juveniles with emotional problems in the juvenile justice system.
Questions, Concerns?
Voice your opinion in the only electronic newsletter serving county behavioral health authporities. Contact writer Nancy Sydnor-Greenberg at nesydnor@erols.com.
Committee Chairpersons and Members: Write an article, be interviewed to get the word out on what your committee is doing and plans for the coming year. Recruit new members, advocate for policy positions. Contact writer Nancy Sydnor-Greenberg at nesydnor@erols.com.
Job Bank
Chief, Behavioral Health Operations
Annual Salary: to $110,000 plus excellent benefit package
The Orange County Health Care Agency is seeking a Chief of Behavioral Health Operations. Reporting to the Deputy Agency Director for Behavioral Health (Behavioral Health Director), this challenging new position will provide broad administrative direction to all Behavioral Health services (Adult Mental Health, Children and Youth Mental Health, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services) which last year served 64,000 in a County population of 2.9 million. Behavioral Health operates with a $200 million annual budget (ranks fifth largest in the nation), 900 employees and many contract providers.
The new Chief will join the organization at a time of exciting change. Two major initiatives that will require the new Chief's initial focus include implementation of a major Behavioral Health reorganization plan that improves oversight of its multidisciplinary delivery system; as well as implementation of a new, comprehensive Agency information system. The Chief will be a vital member of the management team in implementing policy, ensuring availability of resources, and coordinating activities across divisions and programs.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, high-level health care administrator with an extensive background in program management and budget, and a broad vision for the future of behavioral health. This strong leader will be an innovator with outstanding collaborative, communication, and analytical skills. Licensure as a mental health professional (Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Psychiatric Nurse) and/or a Masters degree in Public Administration, Public Health or Business Administration is highly desired. A detailed brochure is available. Submit resume, three work-related references and current salary by Friday, February 7, 2003 to:
CSAC Human Resources Advisory Services
Attn: Kris Kristensen
241 Lathrop Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
Tel: (916) 263-1401
Fax: (916) 561-7205
Email: resumes@cps.ca.gov
Web sites: www.cps.ca.gov/shannon
www.oc.ca.gov/hca
Executive Director
Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties, a two-county governmental organization responsible for the funding, planning, and monitoring of mental health and alcohol/drug services is seeking an experienced leader to direct its operations. Based in historic Lebanon, in Southwest Ohio, our organization has served the local community since 1969. We respond to our community's needs through a network of not-for-profit providers that are committed to "sharing hope and caring to achieve recovery from mental illness, alcoholism and drug addiction".
Qualified applicants shall be mental health professionals with an administrative background or professional administrators with a strong professional background in mental health services. Applicants must have a Masters degree in a relevant field and at least five years experience in a leadership position. Knowledge of Ohio's Mental Health and Alcohol/Drug System and County Board functioning is preferred.
Excellent benefits. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Send Resume & Three Professional References to:
Search Committee
Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties
210 W. Main Street
Lebanon, OH 45036
Equal Opportunity Employer. Posted 12/18/02
$2.2 Million Available to Fund Training and Evaluation Grants for State Evidence-Based Practices
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is announcing the availability of grants to provide state-of-the-art training and continuing education to state mental health service providers and other stakeholders that are implementing evidence-based practices. It is expected that approximately $2.2 million in funding will be available in fiscal year 2003 to fund approximately 7 grants ranging from $250,000 - $325,000 each in total costs for a period of up to three years.
Who can apply: Only state mental health authorities are eligible to apply because they have primary responsibility for provision of Public mental health services in the United States. Also included are state mental health authorities in the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.
How to apply: Request for Applications (RFA No. SM 03-003) "State Training and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices" is available from SAMHSA's web site at www.samhsa.gov or by phone at 1-800-789-2647. APPLICATION DUE DATE: March 24, 2003
Additional information: Applicants with questions on program issues should contact Crystal Blyler, Ph.D., at (301) 594-3997 or cblyler@samhsa.gov. Queries on grants management issues should be directed to Steve Hudak at (301) 443-9666 or shudak@samhsa.gov.
Statement by Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W., Administrator
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
An article in the December 11 Substance Abuse Funding News included serious inaccuracies about our Performance Partnership Grants (PPG) proposal and our recent Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders. I want to set the record straight. Our PPG proposal neither mandates nor suggests that, as a condition of receiving PPG funding, states must require substance abuse treatment providers to conduct mental-health assessments of clients. The intent of the PPG proposal is to increase state flexibility in the use of block grant funds to benefit people in need of substance abuse prevention and treatment services. A review of the actual text of the proposed plan clearly shows the inaccuracies of the Substance Abuse Funding News story. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on PPGs will be published in the Federal Register early next week. I welcome one and all to review and comment on the proposed plan for implementing the PPG program.
The article then turns to discussion of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders, an issue I established as a key priority for SAMHSA. On December 2, 2002, we released a Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders. This report includes a clear definition of what is meant by co-occurring disorders. It delineates a clear blue-print for action that articulates how SAMHSA is working and will continue to work in partnership with states and local community providers to create a system that allows any door to services to be the right door to the full range of treatment and supports. Thus, any person entering mental health care, substance abuse treatment, primary health care, school-based clinics/guidance services, homeless shelters, or jails/prisons, at a minimum, should be screened for mental and substance abuse disorders. Then, if needed, appropriate treatment can be provided. Fortunately, as our Report to Congress points out, an increasing number of states and communities nationwide are initiating system-level changes and developing innovative programs to improve the quality and availability of services for individuals of all ages who have co-occurring disorders. In fact, many already make use of their Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant funds as authorized by law. I invite everyone concerned about substance abuse prevention, mental health services and addiction treatment to read the Report to Congress. It is available on our web page at www.samhsa.gov. Click on hot topics.
The NACBHD Bulletin is published electronically six times a year by the National Association of County Behavioral Health Directors, 1555 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036. Articles of interest to county/local behavioral health professionals are welcome by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Please submit copy to Nancy Sydnor-Greenberg at nesydnor@erols.com. Editor-in-Chief - Dr. Sandra Naylor Goodwin, sgoodwin@cimh.org. NACBHD is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties.
