Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
March 29, 2007, Vol. 07-61

2007 Access to Recovery Grant Program Offers Choice of Treatment

Thousands of Americans with substance use disorders will have access to more options for treatment under the fiscal year 2007 Access to Recovery discretionary grant program. Up to $96 million in grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will continue Access to Recovery programs across the country.

Recipients of these competitive grants -- states, territories, the District of Columbia and federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations -- will have broad discretion to design and implement federally supported programs to pay for a range of effective faith- and community-based substance abuse clinical treatment and recovery support services.

SAMHSA's Access to Recovery grant program is the centerpiece of an initiative announced by President Bush in 2003 to help people who want to get off drugs find the best treatment options available to meet their specific needs.

Current Access to Recovery programs have provided many recovery support services to clients. Building on lessons learned, the second cohort of grantees are expected to service an additional 135,000 clients.

"SAMHSA is continually seeking new opportunities to increase access to effective treatment services," said Terry L. Cline, SAMHSA administrator. "This milestone for choice in services selection provides clients with the power to choose a treatment program that reflects their values and needs. This program is designed to help people reach recovery in body, mind, and heart."

"Access to Recovery harnesses the power of faith- and community-based programs to push back against the disease of addiction," said John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. "This innovative approach is making recovery a reality for thousands of Americans by bringing proven, effective substance abuse treatment programs within reach where and when they are needed."

Access to Recovery also emphasizes accountability and demonstrated effectiveness, requiring states to create an incentive system for positive outcomes and to take steps to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Provider payment and program success will continue to be measured by seven specific outcomes: abstinence from drugs and alcohol, no involvement with the criminal justice system, attainment of employment or enrollment in school, social supports, access to care, retention in care, and stable housing. By assessing the scope and outcomes of the program, grantees will discover what works best and adjust their programs accordingly. SAMHSA will evaluate overall program effectiveness and utility nationwide.

The key to implementing the grant program is each state's ability to ensure genuine, free and independent choice of eligible providers. Grantees are encouraged to support any combination of clinical treatment and recovery support services that can be expected to achieve the program's goal of cost-effective, successful outcomes for the largest number of people.

It is expected that $96 million will be available to fund up to 18 awards.

States, territories, the District of Columbia and federally recognized Indian tribes have until June 8, 2007, to submit their grant applications. Copies of the application for TI-07-005 are available online at http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/index.aspx or you may request a complete application kit from the SAMSHA Clearinghouse at 1-877-SAMHSA7.

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.