News from NASADAD

• NASADAD releases section-by-section analyses of Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and Mental Health Reform Act
• Steve Brazill announced as new NTN in Kansas
• Sarah Mariana announced as new Washington State NPN;  Michael Langer remains as NTN
• NASADAD attends Congressional briefing on the decriminalization of individuals with mental illness
• NASADAD attends Friends of NIAAA briefing on College AIM

News from the States

• New report finds more Alaska teenagers using e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes
• S. District Court ruling highlights State and federal disagreement over medical marijuana
• Ohio announces investment of up to $1.5 million a year into Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System

In the News

• NAATP releases statement on MAT for substance use disorders
• NCADD announces launch of new website

Upcoming Events

• CSH and National Council announce webinar discussing long-term substance use disorder recovery and integrated housing and service solutions

News from NASADAD

NASADAD releases section-by-section analyses of Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and Mental Health Reform Act
Today NASADAD released section-by-section analyses of Rep. Tim Murphy’s (R-PA) Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (H.R. 2646), and Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Murphy’s (D-CT) Mental Health Reform Act (S. 1945). The bills both propose a restructuring of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by creating a new Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Rep. Murphy’s proposed H.R. 2646 will be marked up on November 3^rd and 4^th by the Subcommittee on Health in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Steve Brazill announced as new NTN in Kansas
Last week, Steve Brazill was announced as the new NTN representative in Kansas, as previous NTN, Charles Bartlett, announced that he is moving on to a new position. In his new role, Mr. Bartlett’s new duties will include oversight of Consumer Affairs, where he will remain committed to the development of peer support services. Mr. Bartlett will additionally work as the coordinator for forensic services and diversion from the criminal justice system, and as the liaison to the Governor’s Behavioral Health Service Planning Council for coordination and logistics. NASADAD thanks Mr. Bartlett for his contributions to the NTN, and welcomes Mr. Brazill.

Sarah Mariana announced as new Washington State NPN; Michael Langer remains as NTN
Earlier this week, Sarah Mariana was announced as Washington State’s new NPN delegate, effective December 1^st. Ms. Mariana previously led Washington’s Research Conference Program Committee, and has participated in many NPN-related meetings over the past several years. Washington’s previous NPN, Michael Langer, will maintain his role as Washington’s NTN delegate and will work with Ms. Mariana on relevant NPN issues.

NASADAD attends Congressional briefing on the decriminalization of individuals with mental illness

Brian Denten, Public Policy Intern, attended the briefing on Thursday, October 29^th. The briefing heard from a range of mental health and criminal justice professionals on the need for moving mental health treatment out of the criminal justice system and into communities. Once incarcerated, individuals with mental illness spend longer in the criminal justice system than those without mental illness due to safety and health concerns, further exacerbating already existing mental health and substance use disorders. Speakers highlighted the large financial and human costs associated with mental illness in the criminal justice system, as many jails spend up to three times on individuals with mental illness compared to the average prisoner. The briefing concluded with an affirmation of the need for a full continuum of mental healthcare to improve on disjointed mental healthcare delivery and produce better health and societal outcomes.

Speakers:

• Renee Binder, M.D.; Professor and Director of Psychiatry and Law Program, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at UCSF School of Medicine; President, American Psychiatric Association
• Paton Blough; Mental Health Advocate, NAMI South Carolina State Board Member
• Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson; Chair, National Association of Counties (NACo) Health Steering Committee
• Sheriff Rich Stanek; Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
• Robert L. Trestman, M.D. PhD; Professor of Medicine, Psychiatry, and Nursing UConn Health; Executive Director, Correctional Managed Health Care, Interim Director, Center for Public Health and Health Policy

NASADAD attends Friends of NIAAA briefing on College AIM

Robert Morrison and Shalini Wickramatilake attended a Congressional briefing hosted by Friends of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) on the College Alcohol Intervention Matrix, or College AIM. The matrix is a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool to help college staff make informed decisions about evidence-based alcohol interventions. With College AIM, college officials can learn how their current strategies compare to other evidence-based alternatives; find new strategies to consider; and select a combination of approaches that best meets the particular needs of their students and campus.  College officials are in a unique position to improve the health and safety of their students – and they must choose alcohol interventions wisely.

Speakers:

• George F. Koob, Ph.D., Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH
• Mary Larimer, Ph.D., Director, Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, University of Washington
• Jonathan Gibralter, Ph.D., President, Wells College, Aurora, NY

News from the States

New report finds more Alaskan teenagers using e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes
A new report released by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has found that Alaskan teenagers are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than regular cigarettes. The report was released by Valerie Davidson, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, at the annual Alaska School Health and Wellness Institute earlier this week.  A Spring 2015 survey conducted as part of the report found that 11 percent of Alaskan high school students reported smoking cigarettes once in the past 30 days compared to 18 percent reporting e-cigarette use in the same time period. Ms. Davidson warned that the variety of e-cigarette flavors appeals to teenagers despite growing evidence that e-cigarettes are as or more harmful than traditional tobacco use. Following the report’s release, a number of advocacy groups – including the AARP, American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association – issued a press release in support of a statewide smoke-free workplace law.

U.S. District Court ruling highlights State and federal disagreement over medical marijuana
A U.S. District Court ruling, issued by Judge Charles R. Breyer in San Francisco, removed a federal injunction against the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana this week. Judge Breyer stated that the Justice Department was “defying the will of Congress and improperly intruding on California’s medical marijuana laws” in his decision. The ruling follows four years of legal battles after federal officials closed down the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in 2011. Judge Breyer’s decision is seen as a test of a federal appropriations bill amendment signed by President Obama in 2014 that banned “any expenditure of Justice Department funds to prevent States from implementing laws ‘that authorize the use, distribution and possession of medical marijuana.’”

Ohio announces investment of up to $1.5 million per year into Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System
Ohio’s Governor John Kasich announced an investment of up to $1.5 million per year into Ohio’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) database this past week. The  investment aims to integrate the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) with electronic medical records and pharmacy information systems throughout the State in an effort to reduce the prevalence of prescription drug diversion and misuse. The investment marks Ohio as the first State to integrate its prescription drug monitoring database Statewide.

In the News

NAATP releases statement on MAT for substance use disorders
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) released a statement regarding the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders this week. The statement highlights NAATP’s belief in the importance of evidence-based treatment methods such as MAT in developing a robust continuum of care for individuals with substance use disorders. The NAATP supports “bio-psycho-social-care, including 12-step care and peer driven support” in conjunction with MAT to provide a full spectrum of treatment options.

NCADD announces launch of new website
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) announced the launch of its new website this week. The new website compiles a broad array of information about alcoholism and its associated disorders, and connects individuals seeking help with healthcare providers in their local communities. The website further provides a number of recovery stories that highlight successful treatment of alcohol use disorders.

Upcoming Events

CSH and National Council announce webinar discussing long-term substance use disorder recovery and integrated housing and service solutions
CSH: The Source for Housing Solutions and the National Council for Behavioral Health have announced a new webinar discussing long-term substance use disorder recovery and integrated housing and service solutions, to be held on Friday, November 6^th from 1:30 to 2:45 PM EST. The webinar will include presentations from several field experts about innovative ways communities are integrating housing with treatment and recovery support to aid in the long term recovery of individuals with substance use disorders. CSH and the National Council recently released a summary report of their 2014 convening on housing and substance use disorders. The report highlights potential opportunities and challenges surrounding the integration of housing and substance use disorder treatment, and underlines the evidence supporting better access to housing in treating substance use disorders.

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

Around the Agencies

• NIAAA survey finds marijuana use among adults has doubled over the past decade
• GAO study finds need for additional performance measures for National Guard’s State Counterdrug Program
• HHS announces $2.2 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants were awarded in FY 2015

News from the States

• 3 in 10 Maryland residents report having known someone with an opioid use disorder

News from NASADAD

• NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of the Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act

In the News

• Senate passes Protecting Our Infants Act to address neonatal abstinence syndrome
• CBO releases cost estimates for reconciliation bill repealing major provisions of the Affordable Care Act
• Individuals with substance use disorders step out of anonymity to fight stigma

Upcoming Events

• Alcohol Policy Conference abstract proposal submissions deadline announced for November 15^th
• NCSL announces webinar on State-based strategies for addressing prescription drug misuse

Around the Agencies

NIAAA survey finds marijuana use among adults has doubled over the past decade
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported that the prevalence of marijuana use and marijuana use disorders doubled between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013 in a survey released last week. Adults using marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1 percent to 9.5 percent of United States adults, with rates of marijuana use disorders increasing from 1.5 percent to 2.9 percent in the same period. Symptoms of marijuana use disorders include using large amounts of the drug over long periods of time, an inability to reduce use, and a failure to meet professional responsibilities as a result of marijuana use. The survey found that young adults ages 18-29 were at highest risk for using marijuana and developing marijuana use disorder, “with use increasing from 10.5 percent to 21.2 percent and disorder increasing from 4.4 percent to 7.5 percent over the past decade.” Black and Hispanic populations also experienced significant increases in marijuana usage and marijuana use disorders over the same time period. The NIAAA recommends that the scientific community expand efforts to educate the public about the risks of marijuana use in response to the results of the survey.

GAO study finds need for additional performance measures for National Guard’s State Counterdrug Program
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new study finding a need for additional performance measures for the National Guard’s State Counterdrug Program last week. The counterdrug program’s funding ranged from $219.3 million to $242.1 million between FY 2004 and 2014, with FY 2015 funding decreasing significantly. The GAO found that the program’s current performance measures are not adequate for overseeing State-level programs. The GAO’s report recommends that the Department of Defense (DOD) determine what additional information is needed to properly evaluate State-level programs and develop new measuring tools to more equitably distribute funding to States.

HHS announces $2.2 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants were awarded in FY 2015
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that over $2.2 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants were awarded in FY 2015 to a variety of State and local community organizations. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as part of a larger effort to increase treatment quality for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the United States. Acting HRSA Administrator, James MacRae, emphasized the importance and success of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program last week, stating that “in 2013, 81 percent of program clients were retained in care and more than 78 percent of those who were in care are virally suppressed.”

News from the States

3 in 10 Maryland residents report knowing someone with an opioid use disorder
A new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll has found that 3 in 10 Maryland residents report having a close friend or family member currently or formerly struggling with an opioid use disorder. Residents in Baltimore City and County reported the highest number of personal connections, with nearly 40 percent of respondents stating they know someone with an opioid use disorder. The poll found that personal connections with substance use disorders were associated with a desire for increased State spending on treatment. Fifty-two percent of Maryland residents knowing someone with an opioid use disorder believe Maryland spends too little on treatment, compared to only 38 percent among residents without a personal connection. Governor Larry Hogan created a task force in February 2015 to determine ways to improve access to treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. The task force released its initial report to Governor Hogan earlier this month. Recommendations include “earlier and broader incorporation of heroin and opioid prevention into the health curriculum, the infusion of heroin and opioid prevention into additional disciplines, student-based heroin and opioid prevention campaigns, and Maryland State police training on the Good Samaritan law.”

News from NASADAD

NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of the Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act
Today NASADAD released a section-by-section analysis of Rep. Luján’s (NM) Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act of 2015. This Act would reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Grant Program for Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women. Additionally, the legislation would create a pilot program to give States the flexibility to implement family-based substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum women at various levels of care, not only residential settings. The pilot program would help State substance abuse agencies address gaps in services for pregnant and parenting women along the continuum of care, and encourage new approaches and models of service delivery.

In the News

Senate passes Protecting Our Infants Act to address neonatal abstinence syndrome
Last week the Senate unanimously approved the Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015 (S. 799). The Act would require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop a report on prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The report would provide an assessment of existing research on NAS, as well as an evaluation of the causes, treatment, and barriers to treatment of opioid use disorders among women of reproductive age. The report would also provide recommendations on preventing, identifying, and treating opioid dependency in women and infants with NAS.

CBO releases cost estimates for reconciliation bill repealing major provisions of the Affordable Care Act
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its cost estimates for the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (H.R. 3762) last week, asserting that if passed the bill would result in a $130 billion decrease in deficits over 2016-2025. The legislation repeals several major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the individual and employer mandates, and the “Cadillac tax” imposing taxes on medical devices and certain types of employer-provided healthcare coverage. The CBO further estimated that enacting the bill would leave 15 percent of the non-elderly population uninsured after 2016, compared to only 10 percent under current law. The full House considered the bill on Friday, October 23^rd, and was passed with a vote of 240 – 189. In the Senate, the Act may face more resistance, as several Republican leaders have expressed reluctance to support a bill not fully repealing the ACA. Other Senate Republicans oppose provisions in the bill eliminating federal funding for Planned Parenthood, as they face reelection in blue-leaning States in 2016.

Individuals with substance use disorders step out of anonymity to fight stigma
Many individuals with substance use disorders have begun stepping out of anonymity in order to fight stigma associated with substance use, as the Washington Post reported earlier this month. Many advocates cite stigma surrounding substance use disorders as a large barrier to expanding the quality and quantity of treatment options. Research suggests that increased exposure to individuals with substance use disorders changes attitudes, as a John Hopkins study recently found. The study exposed participants to over 4,000 stories of people successfully treated for mental or substance use disorders. Researchers found that exposure to the stories led to “less desire for social distance, greater belief in the effectiveness of treatment and less willingness to discriminate against persons with these conditions.” Efforts to increase the visibility of substance use disorders amongst the public have occurred simultaneously with a push to change the language associated with substance use. Advocates have continuously asserted that the use of terms such as “addicts” and “abuse” increase stigma and are counterproductive for increasing access to treatment.

Upcoming Events

Alcohol Policy Conference abstract proposal submissions deadline announced for November 15^th
The Alcohol Policy Conference announced that the deadline for submission of abstract proposals for this year’s conference is November 15^th. The planning committee requests proposals focus on alcohol control measures, high-risk alcohol consumption, links between alcohol use and cancer, and community-based efforts to combat alcohol-related problems – among a number of additional topics. The Alcohol Policy Conference will be held in Arlington, Virginia from April 6^th-8^th, 2016. The conference will highlight methods for applying alcohol policy research to public health systems at the community, state, national, and international levels.

NCSL announces webinar on State-based strategies for addressing prescription drug misuse
For those unable to attend the National Prevention Network’s (NPN) conference November 17^th-19^th, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has announced a new webinar focusing on prescription drug misuse and risks associated with methadone treatment. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 17^th from 2:00-3:00pm EST.  Research suggests that methadone-related overdoses have risen due to healthcare providers increasingly prescribing methadone for pain management instead of substance use disorder treatment. The webinar will discuss options available to States for managing the risks associated with methadone, and will feature commentary from representatives from West Virginia’s House of Delegates on their State’s experiences.

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