NASADAD receives SAMHSA's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block grants

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today awarded a $1.1 million grant to the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) to provide support for states as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented in the changing health and human services environment. 
 
"Changes are rapidly occurring in health care financing with States playing an increasing role in policy and funding decisions affecting behavioral health prevention, treatment and recovery support services," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D.  "The new, more flexible and streamlined block grant application and the technical assistance provided by NASADAD through this grant will help states maximize the use of limited substance abuse resources available to advance service delivery systems and deliver the best care for those in need."
 
The grant will provide assistance to substance abuse Single State Agencies to increase service capacity, including recovery support services, develop integrated systems of care, and improve behavioral health outcomes - all key elements of effectively administering SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Block Grant.  The grant will also assist states in their response to emerging issues, such as health reform (focusing on improving quality, offering individuals opportunities to be partners in their health care decisions), parity, information technology innovations, and implementation of evidence-based practices.

SAMHSA recently moved to help states use block grant funding to address their communities' behavioral health challenges. SAMHSA is streamlining application and funding procedures for all block grants by establishing uniform applications, and reporting dates and by offering states and territories the option to submit one, coordinated plan for both the Mental Health and Substance Abuse block grants.