News from NASADAD

• NASADAD Board Chair, Mark Stringer (MO) testifies before Congressional hearing on opioid issues – Members ask about SAPT Block Grant
• Colorado selects Dr. Nancy VanDeMark as new Director of the Office of Behavioral Health
• NASADAD attends Altarum recovery forum
• NASADAD attends briefing on mental health and substance use disorder parity on Capitol Hill
• NASADAD attends Congressional briefing on the Veteran Wellness Act

Around the Agencies

• SAMHSA report shows significant decrease in underage cigarette smoking
• SAMHSA releases consumer booklet in recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month
• SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 Joint Adult Drug Court Solicitation to Enhance Services, Coordination, and Treatment Grants
• SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 PPHF-2015 Cooperative Agreements for State-Sponsored Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention grants
• SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 Minority Serving Institutions Partnerships with Community-Based Organizations grants
• SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 planning grants for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
• CMS and SAMHSA mental health and substance use disorder parity webinar now available on YouTube
• CDC report examines decline in Staten Island opioid analgesic-involved overdose death rate

In the News

• Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announce Senate National Institutes of Health caucus
• Government Accountability Office releases report examining highest cost Medicaid-only enrollees
• Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2015 introduced in the Senate
• CDEWS study finds synthetic cannabinoid usage among criminal justice populations in Washington, DC; Denver; and Tampa

News from NASADAD

NASADAD Board Chair, Mark Stringer (MO) testifies before Congressional hearing on opioid issues – Members ask about SAPT Block Grant
Rob Morrison, Executive Director, Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate, and Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern attended the hearing called by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The Subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA), and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) is the Ranking Member. The hearing featured testimony from State health commissioners, as well as NASADAD Board President Mark Stringer (MO), on the need for increased access to care and expanded prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). Panelists stressed that improving access to care remains a top priority in helping individuals with substance use disorders. Several Representatives inquired about the practice of “doctor shopping,” and of potential methods to decrease its prevalence. All panelists affirmed the need for interstate interoperability or the ability of PDMPs to communicate information across State lines. The panelists further advocated for increased education to train prescribers on best opioid prescribing practices and on substance use disorders.

Several Members of the subcommittee raised questions about the need to increase funding for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant. Mr. Stringer explained how critical the SAPT Block Grant is to States’ substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery systems and the serious consequences that reductions in funding have on individuals’ access to vital services. In particular, Mr. Stringer pointed to NASADAD’s newly released fact sheet on the SAPT Block Grant, highlighting that the purchasing power of the grant has decreased by 25% over the last 10 years. The fact sheet also reveals that Congress would need to appropriate an addition $450 million to the SAPT Block Grant program to restore the funding to 2006 levels.

Panelists:

• Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H.; Health Commissioner, Indiana State Department of Health
• Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H.; Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Mark Stringer, M.A., L.P.C., N.C.C.; Director, Division of Behavioral Health, Missouri Department of Mental Health
• Larry Wolk, M.D., MSPH; Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

 

Colorado selects Dr. Nancy VanDeMark as new Director of the Office of Behavioral Health
Colorado has selected Dr. Nancy VanDeMark as the new Director of the Office of Behavioral Health. Dr. VanDeMark has been a partner with the Innovela Consulting Group for the past seven years, working with providers, State advocacy groups, and federal contractors in program planning, organizational analysis, proposal writing, program evaluation, and performance monitoring. Prior to her time at Innovela Consulting Group, Dr. VanDeMark worked at the Arapahoe House Inc. substance use disorder treatment program in multiple executive-level positions. Dr. VanDemark holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in administration and planning from the University of Denver and a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Colorado. Dr. VanDeMark will start her new role as Director of the Office of Behavioral Health on Monday, June 15^th.

NASADAD attends Altarum recovery forum
Rob Morrison, Executive Director and Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the forum, “Addiction and Recovery in the United States: Reinforcing Community-Based Solutions,” on Thursday, May 14^th. The purpose of the forum was to discuss important advances taking place in the recovery movement, as well as raise awareness of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 (CARA) which includes important recovery-specific provisions. Speakers included staff from Sen. Rob Portman’s (R-OH) staff (co-sponsor of CARA), Michael Botticelli (Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy), Tom Coderre (Senior Advisor to the Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), Carol McDaid (Principal and Founder, Capitol Decisions), Holly Cekala (Executive Director, RICares), Kristin Harper (Executive Director, Association of Recovery Schools), Joe Powell (Executive Director, Association of Persons Affected by Addiction), and Justin Luke Riley (Executive Director, Young People in Recovery). View a video of the event here.

NASADAD attends briefing on mental health and substance use disorder parity on Capitol Hill
Rob Morrison, Executive Director and Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the briefing, “Parity 101: Understanding the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act,” on Thursday, May 14^th. Panelists provided an overview of federal parity protections and highlighted the challenges that still exist in fully implementing parity. Panelists included family members, national experts on substance use disorder and mental health parity, and a representative from the Kennedy Forum. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) attended the briefing and provided introductory remarks.

NASADAD attends Congressional briefing on the Veteran Wellness Act
The briefing was attended by Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern. The briefing discussed Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Glenn Thompson’s (R-PA) new legislation, the Veteran Wellness Act. The Veteran Wellness Act aims to increase the ability of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) to promote good health among the country’s veterans. The proposed legislation would create a grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs targeted at helping VSOs expand wellness activities and modernize existing facilities. Several panelists spoke at the briefing, noting that improving mental health for veterans is an essential part of smoothing the transition from deployment to civilian life. Many veterans do not receive health care through the Veterans Affairs system, underlining the importance of increasing the quality of care provided by community organizations. Panelists stressed the need for full federal mental health and substance use disorder parity in achieving better outcomes for veterans.

Panelists:

• LTC Chris Ivory; Chief of Behavioral Health at the Office of the Surgeon General
• Harold Kudler, M.D.; Chief Consultant for Mental Health, US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Chad Moos; Deputy National Service Director, Disabled American Veterans
• Brandon Gehrke; Senior Legislative Associate, Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Steve Gonzalez; Assistant Director of Employment and Education, The American Legion

Around the Agencies

SAMHSA report shows significant decrease in underage cigarette smoking
A new Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) report shows a significant decrease in underage cigarette smoking from 2003 to 2013 among those aged 12 to 17. The overall national level of underage cigarette smoking declined from 12.6 percent in 2003 to 6.1 percent in 2013. The study notes that significant differences between States remain, with a range of 4.3 percent in California to 9.5 percent in Kentucky. SAMHSA suggests that an increase in the underage perception of risk from smoking one or more packs of cigarettes a day partially accounts for the decrease in rates of underage cigarette smoking. Despite the decrease in underage cigarette smoking, underage use of other tobacco products like e-cigarettes and hookah continues to rise.

SAMHSA releases consumer booklet in recognition of Hepatitis Awareness Month
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new consumer booklet in recognition of May as Hepatitis Awareness Month. Take Action Against Hepatitis C: For People in Recovery from Mental Illness or Addiction educates people in recovery from mental illnesses or substance use disorders about the dangers of Hepatitis C and the importance of preventative screening.

SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 Joint Adult Drug Court Solicitation to Enhance Services, Coordination, and Treatment Grants
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting applications for FY 2015 Joint Adult Drug Court Solicitation to Enhance Services, Coordination, and Treatment Grants. Applicants will apply for two awards (one grant from SAMHSA and one grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance) on the same application. Funding should be used to enhance drug court services and substance use disorder treatment options. SAMHSA estimates 10 grantees will be awarded up to $325,000 per year for up to three years. Applications are due by June 1, 2015.

SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 PPHF-2015 Cooperative Agreements for State-Sponsored Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention grants
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting applications for FY 2015 PPHF-2015 Cooperative Agreements for State-Sponsored Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention grants. Funding should be used to support State and tribal efforts to develop youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies. SAMHSA estimates that 12 grantees will be awarded up to $736,000 per year for up to five years. Applications are due by June 2, 2015.

SAMHSA now accepting applications for FY 2015 planning grants for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting applications for FY 2015 planning grants for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Funding should be used to support States in implementing certification for CCBHCs. The grant program will also “establish prospective payment systems for Medicaid reimbursable services at the clinics.” SAMHSA estimates that up to 25 grantees will be awarded up to $2 million in funding for up to one year. Applications are due by August 5, 2015.

CMS and SAMHSA mental health and substance use disorder parity webinar now available on YouTube
A recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) webinar discussing mental health and substance use disorder parity is now available SAMHSA’s YouTube channel. The webinar, “Overview of NPRM Application of MHPAEA to Medicaid and CHIP,” provides an overview of the newly proposed parity rule and the procedure for comment submission. Comments on the rule are due by June 9, 2015.

CDC report examines decline in Staten Island opioid analgesic-involved overdose death rate
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report has found a significant decline in the opioid analgesic-involved overdose death rate in Staten Island. Staten Island’s opioid analgesic-involved overdose death rate declined 29 percent from 2011 to 2013, while the rate remained unchanged for the other four New York City boroughs. The decline is attributed to targeted and general public health initiatives implemented by Staten Island officials – including townhall meetings and promotional campaigns focusing on opioid prescribing guidelines. Both the meetings and campaigns were tailored specifically to Staten Island populations. The report recommends a similarly targeted approach for other jurisdictions with high rates of opioid analgesic-involved mortality.

In the News

Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announce Senate National Institutes of Health caucus
Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced the formation of the Senate National Institutes of Health (NIH) caucus this past week. The caucus will create a bipartisan group for Senators to educate each other about the importance of the NIH and the need for increased funding for biomedical research. All Senators are invited to join the new NIH caucus. Advocacy organizations are encouraged to help increase caucus membership by contacting their respective Senators to suggest joining the caucus.

Government Accountability Office releases report examining highest cost Medicaid-only enrollees
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report examining highest cost Medicaid-only enrollees this past week. The report found that the most expensive 5 percent of Medicaid-only enrollees accounted for nearly half of annual Medicaid expenditures for Medicaid-only enrollees in fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Disabled Medicaid-only enrollees made up the majority of the high-cost population. 53 percent of high-cost Medicaid-only enrollees had mental health conditions and 20 percent had a substance use disorder. The Senate Finance Committee requested the report.

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2015 introduced in the Senate
The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2015 was introduced in the Senate on May 12, 2015. The legislation was introduced by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and would renew federal funding for three key youth and college suicide prevention grant programs. The State and Tribal program helps create public-private partnerships to address youth suicide prevention and early-intervention needs. The Campus Suicide Prevention program increases access to services, outreach, and education for students with mental health or substance use disorders, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center program informs and trains States and Tribes on suicide prevention strategies for high-risk groups. NASADAD signed on to a letter supporting the passage of the bill along with other mental health and substance use disorder nonprofits.

CDEWS study finds synthetic cannabinoid usage among criminal justice populations in Washington, DC; Denver; and Tampa
A new Community Drug Early Warning System (CDEWS) study has found synthetic cannabinoid usage among criminal justice populations in Washington, DC; Denver; and Tampa. The study examined urine samples previously collected by criminal justice agencies, finding varying types of synthetic cannabinoid usage among the surveyed populations. DC juveniles were found to be using different synthetic cannabinoid formulations than DC adults. The types of synthetic cannabinoids detected in this study differed significantly compared to the first study performed one year ago. Synthetic cannabinoids were often found in urine specimens that otherwise tested negative for drugs in standard criminal justice drug screenings. The study recommends expanding urine analysis to include screening for a broad array of synthetic cannabinoids.

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.