IN THE NUMBERS This week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that more than 107,600 Americans died from drug overdoses from December 2020 to December 2021, setting another tragic record in the nation’s substance use crisis. Additionally, the data shows overdose deaths involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids…
BREAKING NEWS Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 1-7) spotlights the importance of caring for the mental health of children and raising awareness about children’s mental health. Since 2005, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has observed Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day to inform the public…
BREAKING NEWS Yesterday, the White House released its 2022 National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines a comprehensive path forward to addressing substance use disorder and the overdose epidemic. The strategy focuses on both untreated substance use disorder and drug trafficking. The report focuses significant attention on harm reduction…
BY THE NUMBERS As many as 720,000 individuals, according to the Biden Administration, can receive extended Medicaid or Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). States have the option to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pregnant individuals for a full 12 months…
QUOTABLE “In this moment, when the United States is suffering tens of thousands of opioid-related overdose deaths every year, the DEA’s top priority is doing everything in our power to save lives. Medication-assisted treatment helps those who are fighting to overcome substance use disorder by sustaining recovery and preventing…
IN CASE YOU MISSED ITThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) funding opportunities last week. There are now two funding opportunities, one for existing CCBHCs/grantees and one for new applicants. The amount of the grants for both…
QUOTABLE “Implementing 9-8-8 will require sustained investment to expand the capacity of the entire mental health and substance use systems. Dedicated support must be made available every step of the way – from the national lifeline and regional and local call centers to mobile crisis response programs and community-based organizations…
BREAKING NEWS Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance to state health officials aimed at assisting states in streamlining coverage determinations for federal programs, including the Marketplace, after the eventual conclusion of the public health emergency (PHE). The guidance builds on previously…
BREAKING NEWS During the State of the Union address, President Biden outlined a unity agenda, which includes a National Mental Health Strategy, to be part of the next budget proposal. The President’s FY23 budget proposal would make the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) program…
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT In a report released earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) looked at access to medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) by Medicare beneficiaries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. CMS found that Medicare…