D.C. Update – February 6, 2015

News from NASADAD

  • NASADAD appears on C-SPAN Television’s “Washington Journal” regarding the rise in heroin use
  • NASADAD attends briefing on juvenile justice reform hosted by the Vera Institute of Justice

Around the Agencies

  • SAMHSA requests public comment on community behavioral health clinic criteria
  • SAMHSA accepting applications for FY 2015 Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals for States (CABHI-States) grants
  • SAMHSA posts job announcement for the Director of the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)

In the News

  • ATTC Network releases marijuana treatment training package

Upcoming Events

  • Community Catalyst hosts quarterly substance use disorders learning community conference call on February 18th

 

News from NASADAD

NASADAD appears on C-Span Television’s “Washington Journal” regarding the rise in heroin use
On Friday, January 30, NASADAD’s Executive Director Robert Morrison appeared as a guest on C-Span’s “Washington Journal” to talk about the rise in heroin use and deaths. Washington Journal is a daily, morning news program that features guests discussing current issues. The format of the program includes a series of questions asked by host Peter Slen followed by questions asked by callers. The interview provided an opportunity to educate the public regarding the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. In addition, data from NASADAD’s inquiry on prescription drugs and heroin use was shared.

To see NASADAD’s new fact sheet on opioids, visit here.

To see NASADAD’s Inquiry on Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin, visit here.

NASADAD attends briefing on juvenile justice reform hosted by the Vera Institute of Justice
The briefing was attended by Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern, on Friday, February 6th. The briefing was a capstone of a six-month long series on the current state of juvenile justice reform. Speakers discussed the link between substance abuse and incarceration of youth and stressed the importance of keeping as many children outside of the justice system as possible. Several panelists spoke on new developments in brain science that further reinforce the theory that the brain continues to develop well into adolescence.

Presenters:

  • Christine Leonard; Director D.C. Office, Vera Institute of Justice
  • Roy Austin; Deputy Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs, Justice, and Opportunity, White House Domestic Policy Council
  • Laurie Garduque; Director of Justice Programs, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
  • Howard Spivak; Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice
  • Laurence Steinberg; Distinguished University Professor and Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology, Temple University
  • Johan Uvin; Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
  • Mark Soler; Executive Director, Center for Children’s Law and Policy
  • Nick Turner; President and Director, Vera Institute of Justice

 

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA requests public comment on community behavioral health clinic criteria
SAMHSA is seeking public comment on criteria for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). CCBHCs are a demonstration project passed in March 2014 as part of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. The Act authorized the establishment of community mental health and substance use disorder clinics similar to the federally qualified health center (FQHC) model. The criteria identify requirements for staffing, accessibility of services, scope of services, and much more.  Comments are due by Monday, February 16th.

SAMHSA accepting applications for FY 2015 Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals for States (CABHI-States) grants
SAMHSA is now accepting applications for the FY 2016 Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals for States grant program. This program aims to enhance or develop State infrastructure to increase capacity, provide accessible and effective treatment, and other recovery support services to individuals suffering from homelessness and substance abuse. 6-8 awards of up to $3,000,000 per year for up to 3 years will be awarded.

SAMHSA posts job announcement for the Director of the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
SAMHSA is looking for candidates to fill the position of Director of the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). CSAT is a leader in efforts to expand the availability of effective treatment and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders by prioritizing high-quality, effective treatment for individuals and their families. The Director position leads the Center in planning, implementing, and evaluating goals. They provide overall administration for CSAT programs, coordinate CSAT consumer education functions, and monitor equal employment opportunity activities.

In the News

ATTC Network releases marijuana treatment training package
The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network Coordinating office released a training package for counselors dealing with marijuana abuse this week. The new multi-media package comes with training videos, infographics, and other online resources that offer accurate information about marijuana to addiction professionals. The first video, “Marijuana’s Effects on the Body,” features NIDA Deputy Director Dr. Wilson M. Compton. All parts of the package are available for free.

Upcoming Events

Community Catalyst hosts quarterly Substance Use Disorders Learning Community conference call on February 18th
Community Catalyst is hosting its quarterly Substance Use Disorders Learning Community conference call on Wednesday, February 18th at 2:00 PM ET. This call will focus on the ways the Medicaid expansion can increase treatment options for individuals with substance use disorders. New messaging tools and successes of State advocates will also be discussed. Please RSVP for this call before Friday, February 13th.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Morrison, Executive Director, (202) 293-0090 or Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate, at (202) 293-0090.