The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has reorganized to better maximize its resources and enhance its capabilities across an array of behavioral health areas. The major elements of this change include the following:

The Office of the Administrator will provide leadership in the development of agency policies and programs; maintain liaison with the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services; provide oversight for the coordination of research activities between SAMHSA and the National Institutes of Health; analyze legislative issues and maintain liaison with congressional committees; and coordinate and conduct the agency’s public affairs activities.

 

The Office of Management, Technology, and Operations will provide leadership for SAMHSA's management and administrative operations including management policy development, human resources, performance management, information technology, ethics, and all administrative services, including centralized administrative services.

 

The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality will collect and analyze data information on a wide range of behavioral health issues at the national, state, and local level. This information includes data required by statute such as information on the number, characteristics, and performance of facilities and organizations providing prevention and treatment services for substance abuse. The Center will also design and conduct special data collection and analytic projects to examine topical issues for SAMHSA and other Federal agencies. Much of this data and analyses will be disseminated through agency publications directed to the news media, scientific journals, and the general public.

 

The Office of Financial Resources will provide leadership for SAMHSA's financial management, grants management, contracts management, grant review functions, and program performance management. This Office will carry out the chief financial officer functions of the agency.

 

The Office of Policy, Planning, and Innovation will provide leadership for integrated and structured approaches to identifying and adopting policies and innovative practices for improving behavioral health services outcomes. This office will collaborate with other public health-oriented departments and agencies to promote the development of data-driven policies and practices for affecting the nation’s behavioral health.

 

"The reorganization bolsters SAMHSA's ability to foster innovation and engage in a rapidly evolving health care environment," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "By realigning our assets, SAMHSA is now better positioned to provide leadership in behavioral health for states, providers, consumers, and other stakeholders and move forward SAMHSA’s strategic initiatives."

 

Notice of these organizational changes was published in the Federal Register and became effective on August 16.