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SAMHSA News Room
Contact Media Services: (240) 276-2130

SAMHSA News Bulletin

Date: 4/10/2009
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
Telephone: 240-276-2130

SAMHSA Provides a New Online Resource for Ideas and Discussion about Health System Reform

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has created a new place on its website www.samhsa.gov/healthreform for posting and exchanging ideas about the issues and opportunities surrounding the future shape of America’s health system – especially on how reform may affect mental health, substance abuse prevention and treatment services.

The goal of the website is to provide background information to policy makers and opinion leaders on this important perspective of the health reform discussion.  States, local governments, providers, consumers, the recovery community and family members can work together on this website to examine opportunities where health system reform might enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery services to people in need.

The online resource is part of an ongoing effort by SAMHSA to encourage active participation in the national conversation about the future course of the nation’s health care system. 

Beginning in December 2008 the agency has convened a series of meetings involving   constituent groups, people in recovery, consumers, health care providers, advocates, health service providers, health service administrators and SAMHSA staff to generate ideas about advancing health through system reform and preparing SAMHSA for its role in a reformed system.  The ideas developed through these discussions are currently posted on the website as well as background information on the key role mental health and substance abuse-related issues play in the overall health care system.   

SAMHSA is seeking additional ideas and comments from others on how the health care system can be reformed to better provide essential services in their communities.  The www.samhsa.gov/healthreform site provides guidance on how to formally submit these comments and ideas to the agency.  The site will be continually updated with these newly submitted ideas and information as part of the agency’s ongoing effort to foster national discussion about health system reform in the mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment communities. 

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system.


Page Last Updated: 4/10/2009