SAAS Projects
Benchmarking -
The State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS), Behavioral Pathway Systems (BPS), and NIATx have partnered to establish a ground-breaking national benchmarking initiative designed to illuminate and impact the delivery of addiction treatment services throughout the United States.
Medicated Assisted Treatment -
SAAS and the Legal Action Center together with CADCA and TASC-IL has partnered with Reckitt Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(makers of Suboxone) to expand the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) within the public treatment system and the criminal justice system. 21 member state associations have been targeted to play a key role in this effort, including:
- partnering with Reckitt to support your state legislative agendas;
- educating member organizations on the efficacy of medication-assisted treatment;
- exchanging information about current Suboxone/Buprenorphine and other medication-assisted treatment in their state; and
- connecting Reckitt State Government Managers to key state leaders in the criminal justice and public treatment systems;
Targeted States:
MA, ME, VT, NY, NJ, PA, MD, OH, VA, NC, FL, GA, TN, TX, CO, MI, IN, IL, CA, WA and UT.
Provider Networks -
In response to Partners for Recovery's interest in networks and the growing attention within SAMHSA and in the field to workforce issues, SAAS explored network models, networking strategies and their potential for adoption by other providers. Nine networks were chosen that reflect a range of collaborative approaches, a broad range of treatment agencies, and networking strategies to strengthen organizational infrastructure. The report includes a special focus on the potential for networks to respond to workforce issues, especially recruiting and retaining qualified staff. The report also provides information on the process of developing networks, including network goals; motivating factors; interpersonal, organizational and communications interactions that figure into network creation; network structure and function; and benefits and challenges. A workshop and PowerPoint has been designed to educate addiction treatment agencies, especially small ones, on the potential benefits of networks as a mechanism to strengthen infrastructure, increase efficiencies, and expand their ability to attract and retain staff through networks. As soon as the report is released by SAMHSA's it will be widely distributed and available here on our website.
Treating the Untreated -
Untreated people with addictions face death. They suffer complicated health problems and related costs, their productivity at work is compromised, they jeopardize their families, endanger others, and end up in jail. The consequences to society are obvious and enormous.
Finding and treating these individuals, and helping them maintain recovery over time, is a difficult challenge that requires action from many organizations. But the complexity of the task should not be an excuse for inaction. The substance use disorders field needs to take up the challenge, before more individuals become mortality statistics, in former Administrator Curie's words. Organizations and professionals driven by a mission to prevent and treat addiction and help people to long-term recovery are in a position to take leadership and develop solutions to this problem.
Most of the people who have diagnosable substance use disorders do not perceive the need for treatment. Of more than 20 million people who needed but did not receive alcohol or drug treatment in 2003, 95 percent did not recognize their need for treatment. In no other area of public health would society accept the fact that the vast majority of individuals with disease are untreated.
State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS) and Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) are undertaking an initial project, with support from SAMHSA, to establish the research base for what is hoped will be a longer-term initiative that seeks to rectify the public health problem that most people with diagnosable substance use disorders receive no treatment. SAAS and AHP will work with SAMHSA to develop strategies and models for identifying and engaging individuals in treatment and, over time, raise the awareness of the treatment and recovery support services community about this untreated population and promote a new commitment to serving them. As soon as the report is released by SAMHSA's it will be widely distributed and available here on our website.
The Action Campaign -
SAAS is partnering with the Action Campaign to increase the number of providers participating. For more information on the campaign go to www.actioncampaign.org
The Women's' Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI)
The goals of WASLI are to strengthen the capacity of treatment organizations to meet the substance abuse treatment needs of women by:
- Developing and improving leadership skills of participants Creating a network of the next generation of leaders in women's services
- Establishing a model of women's leadership training
SAMHSA/CSAT held a nomination and application process to select eighteen Associates to participate in WASLI this year. The program, program supplies and materials and most travel expenses are supported through SAMHSA/CSAT. The Program includes:
- Individualized Leadership Assessment. Associates engage in assessments, including a 360-degree leadership inventory, to better understand their leadership styles, actions, strengths and areas for improvement.
- Five Day Emersion training. The Women's Leadership Institute training is customized to meet the goals of professionals working to address the treatment needs and concerns of women. Topics include: leadership practices, conflict resolution, negotiation, presentation skills, facilitating change, women's leadership strengths, and mitigating women's leadership challenges. (May 18-22, 2009)
- Coaching and Action Learning. Associates implement an Individual Leadership Improvement Plan to build and enhance a wide range of interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. They also complete a Women's Services Leadership Project to expand their leadership skills while employing them to meet agency/organizational needs. Coaches, selected both because of their leadership in women's addiction services and their capacity to motivate others, provide ongoing guidance and accountability.
- Enhancement Training. WASLI offers an ongoing series of leadership teleconferences and webinars and a three-day, in-person Enhancement Training.
- Graduation and WASLI Network. Upon completion of the six month program, participation in a Graduation Webinar allows Associates to share their leadership projects and receive a Certificate. Coaches and Alumni can participate in the WASLI Network, a loosely knit association of leaders in women's treatment.
Supporters
SAMHSA/CSAT is the primary convener and guiding force for the Women's Leadership Institute. Other supporters include: the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network National Office, the State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS), the Women's Services Network of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, the National Council on Community Behavioral Healthcare, NAADAC- The Association for Addiction Professionals, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., and the North Highland Company.
