On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a final FY 2021 appropriations deal. This document outlines the final funding levels for NASADAD’s priority programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), including language from the Administration’s Congressional Justifications, as well as the House and Senate Appropriations Committees’ bill reports and final appropriations bill reports.

With increased attention on substance use during disasters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NASADAD staff have revised an issue brief on the topic. The Disasters and Substance Use: Implications for the Response to COVID-19 brief includes data on recent disasters, policy recommendations, and spotlights on Louisiana and New York’s response to Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. NASADAD recommended the following:

• During a disaster, the federal government should coordinate with State alcohol and drug agencies given the link between trauma and substance use disorders.
• Policymakers should consider specifically referencing substance use disorders in the statute governing disaster declarations (Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act) to ensure a holistic and comprehensive response.
• Supplemental federal funding designed to help respond to substance use disorder needs during a large-scale disaster that impacts all States—such as COVID-19—should be routed through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant, including enhanced flexibility regarding certain allowable uses.

NASADAD has released an updated appropriations overview to reflect the Senate Appropriation Committee’s introduction of several appropriations bills for FY 2021, including the Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies funding bill. The document outlines the Senates’ recommended funding levels for NASADAD’s priority programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

During the month of September, National Recovery Month, NASADAD Members, Component Group Members, and Staff submitted pictures of themselves wearing purple to help celebrate recovery and spread awareness of substance use disorder issues. Many thanks to Jen Smith (SSA, PA), Secretary and Region III representative on NASADAD’s Board of Directors, for developing this idea.

Cassandra Price (SSA, GA), NASADAD President, included with her picture this note: “Sporting my purple in support of Recovery Month 2020! Congratulations to all of those in recovery and continued unwavering hope for those searching for the path towards recovery. Never give up!”

NASADAD is grateful for the work State Director’s did in their respective States throughout the month of September, and for their ongoing efforts to support recovery every day of the year.

To celebrate National Recovery Month, NASADAD released a proclamation that highlights the Association’s commitment to elevating the value and importance of recovery support services. The document provides recent data on the prevalence and costs of substance use disorders, the role that NASADAD members play in the publicly-funded SUD system, and a commitment to observe September 2020 as National Recovery Month. The proclamation can be viewed here.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, Inc. (NASADAD) Annual Meeting bring together Single State Agency Directors for alcohol and other drug services, state Prevention Coordinators, Treatment Coordinators, Women’s Services Coordinators, and other state and national stakeholders that work on substance use, misuse, and disorders.  The meeting is a forum to hear about the latest substance use trends and practices; to engage in interactive discussions on emerging issues; and share information on model programs and strategies used across the prevention, treatment, and recovery system.

Due to health and safety concerns and the uncertainty of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the face-to-face SAMHSA & NASADAD Annual Meeting. Instead, the Annual Meeting will be held virtually this year, July 13, 15, and 17, 2020.

There is no registration fee, however, registration is required. Registration can be completed here: http://www.cvent.com/d/0nqb08. Information regarding the meeting is located on the conference registration website.  Please note: registration closes July 8 at 5:00 p.m. EST.  A couple of days prior to the meeting participants will receive a link to allow entry to the meeting.

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