National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors Receives $1.1 Million Grant from SAMHSA

The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) has received a $1.1 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant is designed to help states maximize the use of limited substance abuse resources to advance services delivery systems and care, Medical News Today reports.

The grant will help substance abuse Single State Agencies increase their service capacity, according to SAMHSA. The grant will also help states respond to emerging issues, such as health reform, parity, innovations in information technology, and implementing evidence-based practices.

In April, SAMHSA announced a change to the Substance Abuse Prevent and Treatment and Mental Health Services Block Grants. The change came in response to the new federal health care reform law. The 2012/2013 grants are designed to get state behavioral health systems ready for 2014, when more people will be insured through Medicaid or third party insurance.

“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,” SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. said in a statement. “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.”