SAAS UPDATE - April 10, 2009
Greetings!
Great news for those of you who have not yet registered for the Annual SAAS Conference and NIATx Summit in Tucson, AZ, July 30-Aug. 1. Recognizing today's tough economic times, we have extended the Earlybird rate until May 1. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of cutting edge information and resources for your agency with the added bonus of networking and idea-sharing with other CEO's and upper level managers. Check out the updated workshops and plenary speakers at www.saasniatx.net.
In November, SAAS was invited to take part in the National Methamphetamine Meeting: The National Summit to Promote Public Health, Partnerships, and Safety for Critically Affected Populations. As a steering committee member, SAAS provided feedback from the perspective of the provider community. One of the useful tools that came out of the work of the committee is a website worth bookmarking when you need information about methamphetamines. Check out www.methapedia.org. Take a couple of minutes to check out the vast array of information and resources.
If you have not visited the new and improved SAAS website, take a look at www.saasnet.org. We have made a lot of changes lately and I hope that you will find the new look and layout of the website helpful and informative. We continue to keep the information on the site updated, and are always looking for ways to support you and your work. If you have thoughts or comments on the new look or the content of the website, please send me an email with your ideas. We also want to make sure that information about your meetings, events and conferences is available to your colleagues across the country. Please send me dates and information to be posted to the SAAS website.
If there is anything that we can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact the SAAS staff.
Thanks for all you do to support the field and the people you serve.
Becky Vaughn
Executive Director
State Associations of Addiction Services
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SAAS Spotlight
Early Bird Registration Extended to May 1
We have extended the early bird registration deadline until May 1. Log on now to the conference registration website to take advantage of the discounted registration fees.
The SAAS/NIATx promises to be an exciting, high-value event for leaders and managers in the addiction and behavioral health prevention, treatment and recovery fields. The 2009 NIATx Summit and SAAS National Conference represents our shared commitment to providing CEOs, Senior Managers, and Change Leaders with the best conference experience of the year. Please join us in Tucson to engage, exchange and energize! For additional information and how to register, visit the Event Information page. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Tucson for a memorable experience at the fabulous JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
You can also check out the conference on Facebook and at http://www.saasniatx.net/Home.aspx.
National Advocacy Campaign Membership News
SAAS and the Legal Action Center (LAC) continue work on the National Advocacy Campaign. Members will be receiving the first NAC newsletter this month. This will be the first of a regularly scheduled monthly newsletter that highlights current activities, fundraising updates and other important information regarding the campaign. If you would like your local campaign efforts included in the newsletter, please send them to bvaughn@saasnet.org.
If you would like to join our advocacy efforts and become a member of the Campaign's Founding 500 by making a donation of $1,000 or more, or to make a donation of any amount, click here.
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Grants and Funding Announcements
SAMHSA Accepting Grant Applications to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity for Juvenile Drug Courts
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2009 Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity for Juvenile Drug Courts. This program, in collaboration with the U. S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of existing juvenile drug courts to serve the treatment needs of substance-abusing juvenile offenders through the integration and implementation of the Juvenile Drug Court: Strategies in Practice, and the Reclaiming Futures program models. SAMHSA funds will be used to fund the screening, assessment, and treatment components, while OJJDP funds will support the court and services components of the juvenile drug court.
The application deadline is May 5, 2009. For eligibility requirements and other pertinent information, please visit the SAMHSA website.
SAMHSA Announces Offender Reentry Program Grants
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for Offender Reentry Program grants. The purpose of this program is to expand and/or enhance substance abuse treatment and related recovery and reentry services to sentenced juvenile and adult offenders returning to the community from incarceration for criminal/juvenile offenses.
Applicants are expected to form stakeholder partnerships that will plan, develop and provide a transition from incarceration to community-based substance abuse treatment and related reentry services for the targeted populations. Because reentry transition must begin in the correctional or juvenile facility before release, limited funding may be used for certain activities in institutional correctional settings in addition to the expected community-based services.
The application deadline is May 21, 2009. Click here for further information and application materials.
Applicants for any SAMHSA grants are encouraged to apply using www.grants.gov.
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Research Report
Survey Finds a Decrease in the Percentage of Adolescents Seeing Substance Use Prevention Messages
A new national report issued during National Alcohol Awareness Month provides both discouraging and encouraging news about the state of efforts to inform young people about the risks of underage drinking and illicit substances.
The report, based on a series of national surveys, finds that a smaller percentage of adolescents (age 12-17) were exposed to substance use prevention messages in 2007 (77.9 percent) than in 2002 (83.2 percent). Similarly, a smaller percentage of adolescents are participating in out-of-school substance use prevention programs (from 12.7 percent in 2002 to 11.3 percent in 2007), according to the report by SAMHSA.
However, the report shows a significant rise during this same period in the level of adolescents who engaged in substance abuse-related conversations with at least one parent (from 58.1 percent in 2002 to 59.6 percent in 2007). The report shows that these conversations are associated with lower rates of current substance use. "Alcohol Awareness Month highlights the crucial role that parents play in informing and influencing their adolescent sons and daughters about alcohol and substance use," said SAMHSA's Acting Administrator, Eric Broderick. "The findings of this report indicate that we all must do more to get the message out to our young people that substance abuse is harmful to their health and happiness."
The full report is available online or copies may be obtained free of charge by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7.
Progress Noted in the Campaign for Alcohol-Free Sports TV
The Campaign for Alcohol-Free Sports TV is pleased to report that although beer ads have yet to be eliminated during the NCAA basketball tournament, the latest analysis shows a marked decrease in the number and the prominence of beer advertising during the NCAA Final Four. This year, 12 beer ads ran during the Final Four basketball games, compared to 23 beer ads in 2008, almost a 50 percent reduction. In 2008, the beer category ranked 2nd behind automobiles in the total number of ads, while this year, the beer category slipped well below the top five. Likewise, unlike in 2008, the NCAA adhered to its self-imposed "restriction" of 120 seconds of alcohol advertising per game this year.
The Campaign for Alcohol-Free Sports TV is urging NCAA President Myles Brand to review the NCAA's alcohol advertising policy, acknowledge that ads are inappropriate in college sports, and work toward gradually eliminating beer ads from its telecasts. Please visit the website for more information on the Campaign, its latest research and press releases.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Make Plans Now to Attend the 2009 ASAP Criminal Justice Summit
The ASAP Criminal Justice Summit will bring together treatment providers, government officials, public policy experts, criminal justice practitioners and community leaders for a three-day summit focused on discussing best practices, emerging trends and policy issues related to criminal justice, prevention, treatment and substance abuse.
Public Safety and Recovery through Effective Treatment and Reform (June 22-24) will include panel presentations from leading government and elected officials, as well as workshops highlighting innovative programs throughout the State and critical information concerning the implementation of the Federal Second Chance Act. The summit will highlight the importance of cross-systems collaboration and should be attended by criminal justice practitioners, substance abuse professionals, community leaders and government officials. In addition, Fortune Society will be doing a theatrical presentation with and for consumers to share their stories.
Click here to take advantage of the Early Bird Rate and register online.
Upcoming 2009 CADA Public Policy Conference
The Coalition of Alcohol and Drug Associations (CADA) 2009 Public Policy Conference will feature speakers and workshops on several important issues including prison reform, along with the need for treatment for inmates released into the community, and ADP's proposal for licensing and certification that is currently in the Legislature. Confirmed speakers include Renée Zito, Director, California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, and Elaine Bush, Chief Deputy Director, office of the Federal Receiver for the California Prison Health Care Services.
The conference (May 5-6) will be held at the Sacramento Sheraton Grand, within walking distance to the Capitol. The agenda will also include information on AOD funding and realignment. Participants will then take the most critical issues to the Capitol where they will have the opportunity to meet with their senators and assembly members.
Complete registration details are available under the Announcements and Events section on the CAADPE website.
Looking to Make a Career Move?
Metro Crisis Services, Inc. is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead implementation of a 24/7, recovery oriented, behavioral heath crisis service for metropolitan Denver. This exciting position is ideal for an entrepreneurial-minded professional who thrives in start-up and expansion enterprises. The ideal candidate possesses experience in building health care initiatives, managing large collaborations, cultivating partnerships, creating a recovery oriented organization, formalizing agreements, leading diverse teams, and working with government agencies, funding entities and boards of directors. At least five years executive level experience working in health care, preferably in behavioral health care, and a Masters level degree in a related field, is required. Individuals in recovery are encouraged to apply. To submit your application, please email your cover letter, salary requirements, and resume to: bpowers@mhacolorado.org.
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Newsworthy Notes From Around the Field
Ehealth4NY Web Site Launched to Educate and Engage New Yorkers on eHealth
The Legal Action Center has launched a new ehealth4NY website as part of its Consumer Education and Engagement on eHealth initiative, dedicated to educating New Yorkers about the benefits offered by a growing number of electronic health information networks in the state.
New York State is investing substantial resources to move from paper to electronic medical records in the health care system, and is building a statewide electronic health information network to give health care providers the ability to see and share their patients' health information through computer systems operated by RHIOs (Regional Health Information Organizations). At the same time, the Obama Administration and Congress are providing funding through the stimulus bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ARRA) within New York and throughout the country to build and bolster eHealth as a way to cut costs and improve health care.
The new website offers comprehensive resources to help New Yorkers inform themselves about what eHealth means, why it matters to patients and their caregivers, and how people can take advantage of their health information exchange (HIE) services to enable their health care providers to share their health information electronically.
Check out the new site by clicking here.
See How ThePort Network Can Energize Your Organization
ThePort™ Network, Inc. is dedicated to delivering compelling and complete software solutions that enable customers to create, operate and monetize socially-enabled online communities. Through an integrated suite of proven social media solutions, ThePort's robust tools will transform your existing web presence into a dynamic, interactive experience that promotes brand loyalty and improves your bottom line.
Through social media tools and social networking platforms, users share insights, perspectives and experiences in new and exciting ways. For the past ten years, ThePort has helped organizations leverage the power of social media to address real marketing, fundraising and business challenges. With a focus on the nonprofit, trade association and media industries, ThePort customers include such organizations as BizJournals, CARE, Arthritis Foundation, Sierra Club and Lee Enterprises.
If you're looking for better ways to connect members, engage audiences and increase revenue, visit ThePort. You can also check out one of its latest releases by downloading the new toolkit entitled How Nonprofits Use Social Networking to Improve Retention. This toolkit contains practical tips and research for increasing membership acquisition and retention by leveraging social media and social networking. Click here to download the new toolkit.
Faith Community Bulletin Inserts Available For Alcohol Awareness Month
Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center has developed a 2009 version of the Alcohol Awareness Month (April) faith community bulletin insert. This product can be easily downloaded and used by churches, temples and mosques for their Sunday/Sabbath-day bulletins, newsletters or bulletin boards. Included is information about the disease of alcoholism, the effectiveness of evidence-based treatment in bringing about recovery, what persons can do to become more informed about this disease, what persons can do to help others suffering from alcohol addiction, and what faith communities can do to provide support services.
The bulletin insert available in both color and black and white and can be downloaded from the Mid-America ATTC web pages by clicking here.
New Manual Teaches Strategies to Manage Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients
Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients During Early Recovery, a new manual which offers substance abuse counselors new insights on working with clients with depressive symptoms and substance use disorders, is now available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The manual is #48 in the Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) series. TIPs are best-practice guidelines used for the treatment of substance use disorders, issued by SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).
This and future TIPs will be organized in a new format, consisting of three parts. Part 1 covers topics for counselors such as counseling approaches, cultural concerns, counselor roles and responsibilities, screening and assessment, treatment planning and processes, and continuing care. Part 2 provides administrators with information about incorporating the management of depressive symptoms into their substance abuse programs, including providing a systematic approach to designing and implementing a supportive infrastructure. Part 3, the literature review, synthesizes the most current knowledge and scientific findings on the topic and is only available online.
TIP 48: Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients During Early Recovery is available on the SAMHSA website.
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About SAAS
The State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS) is the leading national organization advocating on behalf of state associations of prevention, treatment, and recovery providers and the individuals and families they serve. For more information about SAAS programs and initiatives contact bvaughn@saasnet.org [bvaughn@saasnet.org].
