SAMHSA Seeks Public Comment on Eight Strategic Initiatives

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeks public feedback by Oct. 22 on its plan to focus on eight strategic initiatives.

SAMHSA released a paper that details its plans, titled, Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA’s Roles and Actions 2011 ? 2014 (PDF). It was developed with input from leaders at the federal, state and local levels; SAMHSA’s advisory councils; constituency groups; and people in recovery and their family members.

?This paper outlines the immediate and future priorities for SAMHSA, and to deliver the best results to the American people, we are seeking help and assistance from the world outside of government,? said Pamela S. Hyde J.D., SAMHSA administrator.

The paper lays out eight areas on which SAMHSA proposes to focus its work:

1. Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness;

2. Trauma and Justice;

3. Military Families;

4. Health Information Technology, Electronic Health Records, and Behavioral Health;

5. Housing and Homelessness;

6. Health Information Technology;

7. Data, Outcomes and Quality: Demonstrating Results; and

8. Public Awareness and Support

Anyone interested in submitting comments — or voting for ideas that have already been submitted — can go to http://feedback.samhsa.gov/. Comments will close Oct. 22, 2010.

SAMHSA has also launched a blog to highlight the agency’s work on the strategic initiatives. Members of the public will be able to share ideas and “express what they would like to see from SAMHSA.”