Print Page
| In The News |
Federal Drug Testing Program Adds Fentanyl TestingThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a notice to the Federal Register, adding fentanyl to its drug testing protocol. The revised drug testing panels will go into effect at midnight (12 a.m. ET) on July 7, 2025. The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program is a comprehensive program to address emerging issues and illicit drug use by Federal employees to protect public health and safety. (1/16/2025) READ MORE
FloridaCommerce Announces $3.1 Million Available for Florida’s Veterans Through the Recovery Housing ProgramTallahassee, FL - Today, FloridaCommerce announced $3.1 million in funding available to provide transitional housing assistance for veterans and individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder through the Recovery Housing Program (RHP). The application cycle will be open through Monday, February 17. (1/15/2025) READ MORE
Behavioral Health Day - Wednesday, February 12, 2025The Florida Behavioral Health Association is proud to host Behavioral Health Day at the Florida Capitol on February 12, 2025. Together, mental health and substance use disorder advocates from around the state will gather at the Florida Capitol to hear from state leaders about the future of behavioral health in Florida. (1/15/2025) READ MORE
Medicaid to Cover Addiction and Healthcare Services Youth Transitioning Out of Prison and JailStarting January 1, 2025, states are required to provide screening and diagnostic services and targeted case management to Medicaid- and CHIP-eligible youth and young adults prior to and after their release from correctional facilities. This requirement applies to state prisons, local jails, tribal jails and prisons, and juvenile detention and youth correctional facilities. (1/9/2025) READ MORE
FDA Recommends Changes to Labeling for Transmucosal Buprenorphine Products Indicated to Treat Opioid Use DisorderToday, FDA issued the Federal Register notice, Modifications to Labeling of Buprenorphine-Containing Transmucosal Products for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, to encourage the submission of supplemental new drug applications to modify the labeling statements for buprenorphine-containing transmucosal products for the treatment of opioid dependence (BTODs). (12/27/2024) READ MORE
SAMHSA Releases Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month ToolkitSAMHSA has released a toolkit for the first Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, to be observed January 2025. Treatment Month raises awareness of the benefits and availability of evidence-based treatments for people with a substance use disorder; addresses barriers to treatment, including stigma; and normalizes seeking help. The toolkit includes information about weekly themes, social media graphics and messaging, a webinar background, and resources that public health organizations, treatment providers, professional associations, and others can use to spread awareness of Treatment Month. (12/18/2024) READ MORE
SAMHSA Releases Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs and Explanatory Video SeriesThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is releasing new Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs that align with the new regulations published in February 2024. These revised guidelines provide recommendations, guidance, and best practices for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) on the implementation and compliance of regulation changes in 42 CFR Part 8. The revised regulation went into effect on April 2, 2024, and the compliance date for OTPs was October 2, 2024. The revised regulations took historic steps to increase access to lifesaving, evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and promote practitioner discretion, support patient-centered care, reduce barriers to treatment, and remove stigmatizing or outdated language from the 2001 regulations. The newly released guidelines replace the guidelines published in 2015. The new Guidelines provide guidance to OTPS on:
Although the regulations and guidelines are for OTPs, the patient-centered, shared-decision making, reduction in barriers to care, and stigma reducing language, can be implemented by all practitioners and medical practices providing MOUD in all care settings. SAMHSA is also posting a video series consisting of 14 brief videos explaining the nuances of 42 CFR Part 8 implementation. These videos provide a high-level overview of the first major updates to the regulations in more than two decades. (12/5/2024) SAMHSA’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Seeks $8.1 Billion to Support Mental Health and Substance Use Services Across USThe Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 President’s Budget includes $8.1 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), $612 million more than the agency’s FY 2023 enacted budget. The FY 2025 budget proposal continues to support the President’s Unity Agenda to address the nation’s ongoing mental health crisis and overdose epidemic. “SAMHSA’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes vital investments to addressing our country’s ongoing mental health crisis and overdose epidemic by funding programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, provide treatment and recovery supports, while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes for Americans,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., the Health and Human Services’ Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. (03/11/2024) READ MORE
HHS Finalizes New Provisions to Enhance Integrated Care and Confidentiality for Patients with Substance Use ConditionsFinal Rule to Implement the Bipartisan CARES Act Legislation Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), finalized modifications to the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations at 42 CFR part 2 (“Part 2”), which protect the privacy of patients’ SUD treatment records. Specifically, today’s final rule increases coordination among providers treating patients for SUDs, strengthens confidentiality protections through civil enforcement, and enhances integration of behavioral health information with other medical records to improve patient health outcomes. (02/09/2024) READ MORE
SAMHSA Celebrates 20th Prevention Day, Releases Updated Overdose Prevention and Response ToolkitToday, SAMHSA brought together thousands of prevention advocates and professionals from across the country to discuss advances in the field and future opportunities. SAMHSA Prevention Day is the largest federal annual national gathering dedicated to advancing the prevention of substance use and misuse. As part of the celebration, SAMHSA Leader Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon announced an update to the Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit. The updated toolkit provides guidance on opioid overdose reversal medications, addresses stimulant overdoses, and includes population-specific information. Anyone can now see how they can help address the overdose crisis, whether they are a bystander, medical provider, first responder, or person who uses drugs. SAMHSA also highlighted the FentAlert Challenge, open through February 26. The challenge offers adolescents age14-18 the opportunity to creatively engage their peers about fentanyl and prevent risky behavior. We encourage you to share this news, so our communities can prepare to prevent and respond to overdoses. (01/29/2024) READ MORE
The X Waiver Is Officially Dead - But now, doctors will have to take substance use disorder training to get their DEA licenseThe X waiver, a special Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certification that allowed clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone), a partial opioid agonist that curbs opioid cravings, has long been considered a bureaucratic hurdle to improving treatment access for patients who struggle with opioid addiction. While the current administration has incrementally loosened the requirements for providers to obtain an X waiver in recent years, the provision included in December's omnibus bill eliminates the certification entirely. The abolishment of the X waiver is included in the bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act. But also included in the omnibus bill was another provision that bolsters training requirements for clinicians prescribing all controlled substances -- not just MAT -- called the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act. This law requires all providers who apply for a DEA license to prescribe controlled substances to undergo a one-time, non-repetitive, 8-hour training on managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders. (01/03/2024) READ MORE
SAMHSA Issues an Advisory on Implementing Low Barrier Care to Expand Access and Improve Outcomes for Individuals with Substance Use DisordersThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released an advisory that outlines recommendations for implementation of low barrier models of care to significantly expand access to lifesaving treatment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The advisory emphasizes the importance of low barrier care in overcoming substantial gaps in access to SUD treatment and engaging more people in care. Despite robust evidence showing the effectiveness of SUD treatment, fewer than 10% of individuals who need care receive it. Barriers such as lack of treatment availability, strict program requirements, stigma, and discrimination have resulted in treatment gaps, especially among marginalized communities. It describes key principles of low barrier care, including person-centeredness, harm reduction, flexibility, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed approaches. It also outlines essential components like same-day treatment availability, integrating services across settings, telehealth options, individualized care, and peer support. SAMHSA aims to support providers, communities, and policymakers in implementing low barrier models of care. Expanding access through low barrier approaches can improve outcomes and save lives. Accordingly, this advisory provides actionable guidance to help make patient-centered, low barrier treatment a reality. (12/11/2023) READ MORE
FentAlert Challenge: Empowering Youth for Safer ChoicesToday, SAMHSA issued a challenge to America’s youth: Help us raise awareness about fentanyl and reduce teen overdose deaths. FentAlert: Empowering Youth for Safer Choices − SAMHSA Fentanyl Awareness Youth Challenge is an opportunity for youth, ages 14-18, to develop a community strategy to educate their peers about fentanyl and fake pills ― and prevent drug overdose deaths. There’s a total prize purse of $80,000, with individual prizes up to $5,000. Youth can participate individually, or as part of a team. Please review rules and judging criteria. Submissions are due by February 26, 2024. Please share this opportunity, supporting young people’s voices ― for a future where they and their peers can thrive. (12/7/2023) READ MORE
National Addiction Treatment Week 2023Monday October 16 marks the launch of National Addiction Treatment Week 2023, where we commemorate the power of addiction treatment to transform lives, confront stigmatized attitudes, and advance the reach of treatment to every American suffering with addiction. ASAM, along with our partners and collaborators, aims to break down the barriers between patients and recovery. Together, we will debunk the myths surrounding addiction and raise awareness that recovery is not just possible, but attainable for everyone. (10/17/23) READ MORE
National Recovery Month Begins Today!Today marks the start of National Recovery Month. Each September, we observe National Recovery Month to raise awareness, honor and make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans in or seeking recovery from mental and substance use disorders. This year’s theme is “Hope is Real. Recovery is Real.”
SAMHSA leadership and the Office of Recovery have developed themes during each week of Recovery Month. This first week, we will highlight the importance of supporting youth and young people in recovery, and the role that families and caregivers play in supporting those seeking to start their recovery journey. The transition back to full time studies and social activities can be overwhelming as a new school year begins. Maintaining social supports can help young people balance school and recovery. Check out our social media posts and share them across all your channels. Here’s how you can help to support young people and their families during National Recovery Month:
Don’t forget to register for the 2023 Recovery Month Kickoff luncheon and join the Walk for Recovery on September 7. (9/01/23) READ MORE
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2023-2026 Strategic PlanThe SAMHSA’s 2023-26 strategic plan emphasizes a more person-centered approach and introduces a new mission and vision, key priorities and guiding principles. The key priorities are:
The Strategic Plan includes strategic goals and affiliated objectives associated with each key priority. It also integrates four guiding principles (equity, trauma-informed approaches, recovery, and a commitment to data and evidence) across all policies and programs to support SAMHSA in achieving its mission and vision. This plan not only represents SAMHSA’s thinking as an agency, but also reflects the insightful feedback we have received from our many stakeholders. We hope it informs and guides your planning as you work to develop and implement programs and policies that ensure people living with, affected by, or at risk for mental health and substance use conditions receive care, achieve wellbeing, and thrive. (8/18/23) READ MORE
NIDA announces National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week will take place on March 18-24, 2024
Participate in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) and help share facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction in your community. NDAFW is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth.
NDAFW provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide. Sign up for NDAFW email
updates below, and find lots of great resources for planning and promoting your very own NDAFW event.
FDA Approves Second Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray Product July 28, 2023
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved RiVive, 3 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription use for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. This is the second nonprescription
naloxone product the agency has approved, helping increase consumer access to naloxone without a prescription. The timeline for availability and the price of this nonprescription product will be determined by the manufacturer.
Florida bans synthetic opioids
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau)
NIH and FDA leaders call for more research, lower barriers to improve and implement drug- checking tools amid overdose epidemic
In a new Commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine, leaders at the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlight the urgent need to address current gaps in the research, development, and implementation of fentanyl
test strips and other rapid drug-detecting tools that could help prevent overdose deaths. These tools have the potential to save lives and to serve as an important part of harm reduction toolkits but often remain inaccessible because of gaps in
research and various other barriers, including state or legal prohibitions. This call to action encourages new collaborations among researchers and agencies to ensure the effectiveness of fentanyl test strips and promote the development of additional
drug-checking technologies. It also encourages the reduction of barriers that inhibit use of these technologies where not prohibited by law.
SAMHSA is Alerting Providers and Grantees About the Risks of XylazineSAMHSA is alerting providers and grantees about the risks of xylazine in this Dear Colleague letter. Xylazine is increasingly being found in the illicit drug supply, often in combination with opioids like fentanyl. Xylazine can cause circulatory changes that lead to painful lesions, necrosis, and even limb loss. Xylazine is especially risky because it is not detected in routine toxicology tests, so people who use drugs may be exposed without knowing. When a provider suspects exposure, SAMHSA recommends managing patients accordingly and alerting the local public health department.
SAMHSA’s goal with this alert is to provide information about the consequences of xylazine exposure, what practitioners can do to mitigate harm, and how SAMHSA is responding to this emerging public health challenge. SAMHSA thanks grantees and providers
for their vital role in carrying out this life-saving work.
HHS Announces Over $120 Million In Funding Opportunity for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Providing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care Across the Country
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced two funding opportunities for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) expansion, totaling $123.6
million. The CCBHC Planning, Development, and Implementation (CCBHC-PDI) grant aims to assist clinics to establish and implement new CCBHC programs, and the CCBHC Improvement and Advancement (CCBHC–IA) grant seeks to enhance and support existing
CCBHCs that currently meet the CCBHC Certification Criteria. Today’s announcement builds on the progress the Biden-Harris Administration has made in tackling the country’s mental health crisis and beating the opioid epidemic by expanding access
to mental health and substance use services – key priorities outlined in President Biden’s Unity Agenda.
Study indicates that opioid overdose deaths involving buprenorphine did not increase after prescribing flexibilities
According to a new study, the proportion of opioid overdose deaths involving buprenorphine did not increase in the months after prescribing flexibilities were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. These data provide evidence that may help to inform
buprenorphine prescribing policies and are consistent with a recent study reporting that COVID-era expansion of methadone access for the treatment of opioid use disorder was not associated with an increase in methadone-involved overdose deaths.
SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021
2021 NSDUH report includes selected estimates by race, ethnicity, and age and is the most comprehensive key findings report to date. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
released the results of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in America reported about their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of treatment in 2021. The 2021
NSDUH national report includes selected estimates by race, ethnicity, and age group. It is the most comprehensive report on substance use and mental health indicators that SAMHSA has released to date.
SAMHSA Proposes Update to Federal Rules to Expand Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Help Close Gap in Care
Changes Would Make Permanent COVID-Timed Medication Flexibilities, and Update Decades-Old Definitions and Standards for Opioid Treatment Programs at a time when fewer than 1 out 10 Americans can access treatment for substance use disorderChanges Would
Make Permanent COVID-Timed Medication Flexibilities, and Update Decades-Old Definitions and Standards for Opioid Treatment Programs at a time when fewer than 1 out 10 Americans can access treatment for substance use disorder
The National Council’s 2022 CCBHC Impact Report, has just been released, along with their press release.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Organization |
City |
Funding Amount |
|
Baycare Behavioral Health, Inc. |
Clearwater |
$3,000,000 |
|
Mental Health Resource Center, Inc. |
Jacksonville |
$4,642,254 |
|
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. |
Gainesville |
$5,000,000 |
|
Citrus Health Network, Inc. |
Hialeah |
$3,000,000 |
|
David Lawrence Mental Health Center, Inc. |
Naples |
$998,674 |
|
Banyan Community Health Center, Inc. |
Miami |
$5,000,000 |
|
Nassau County Mental Health, Alcoholism and Drug Council |
Yulee |
$4,695,943 |
|
Lifestream Behavioral Center, Inc. |
Leesburg |
$5,000,000 |
|
South Florida Jail Ministries, Inc. |
Miami |
$4,000,000 |
|
Peace River Center For Personal Development, Inc. |
Bartow |
$2,319,008 |
|
Total Florida Grants |
$37,655,879 |
|
(9/22/21)
READ MORE
This month, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation declaring September as Suicide Prevention Month in Florida. In recognition of this month, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis are highlighting the administration’s suicide prevention
and mental wellbeing efforts
(9/22/21)
READ MORE
“I am pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Ladapo will lead the Florida Department of Health as our state’s next Surgeon General,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Dr. Ladapo comes to us by way of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA with a superb background.
He has had both a remarkable academic and medical career with a strong emphasis in health policy research. Dr. Ladapo will bring great leadership to the Department of Health. I would also like to thank both Dr. Scott Rivkees and Dr. Shamarial
Roberson for their hard work on behalf of all Floridians.”
(9/22/21)
READ MORE
This major new initiative spearheaded by First Lady DeSantis and implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), utilizing ‘Care Navigators’ to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity by focusing on community collaboration
between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits and government entities to break down traditional community silos, to maximize resources and uncover opportunities.
(9/10/21)
READ MORE
Today, President Biden issued the first ever Presidential Proclamation recognizing August 29, 2021 – September 4, 2021 as Overdose Awareness Week – a time to honor the lives lost to the overdose epidemic and recommit to both preventing overdoses and supporting
individuals with substance use disorder.
(8/30/21)
READ MORE
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded 100 grants to increase access to facilities throughout the nation that provide community-based support for Americans in need of substance use disorder and mental health treatment services. Totaling $250 million, including $77 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the grants support the Biden-Harris Administration's priority of addressing the behavioral health needs of Americans—particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida Receives three of these grants:
(8/5/21) READ MORE
Aiming to strengthen American families affected by addiction, today the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is issuing a total of $13.3 million in first-year funding between two grant programs that support direct treatment services for people with substance use disorders and wraparound supports for their loved ones.
One program focuses on pregnant and postpartum women grappling with a substance use disorder. The other is an effort to enhance and expand comprehensive treatment, early intervention, and recovery support services for young people and their families and caregivers.
(8/5/21) READ MORE
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced an expanded Hope for Healing website that makes it easier for Floridians to access help for mental health and substance abuse. The new site is an aggregator of federal, state, local, private sector, faith-based, and non-profit mental health resources, and is designed to be updated as additional resources are made available.
First Lady Casey DeSantis first initiated Hope Ambassadors in December 2019, to create a setting where students can volunteer, mentor their peers, and help foster kind and compassionate environments. In the pilot program, which began in the 2020-2021 school year, 25 schools started clubs, with more than 300 student participants.
(7/15/21) READ MORE
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On June 2, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis reinforced their unwavering commitment to strengthen Florida families through significant funding included in the 2021-2022 budget to support the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) as they continue bolstering access to life-changing behavioral health services.
Enhancing Support for Floridians with Mental Health and Substance Use Needs
$158.4 million for the State Opioid Response Grant
$1.4 million in continued funding for residents affected by Hurricane Michael
(6/9/21) READ MORE
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is distributing $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding — the largest aggregate amount of funding to date for its mental health and substance use block grant programs.
The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) Program and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program (SABG) will disperse $1.5 billion each to states and territories (with the latter also awarding money to a tribe). This follows the March announcement of supplemental funding of nearly $2.5 billion for these programs. SAMHSA, an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has expedited federal funding to grantees to help communities grappling with mental health and substance use needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the nation’s mental and substance use disorder needs squarely in focus, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra is establishing a new Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (BHCC). The Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the Assistant Secretary for Health will serve as the co-chairs of this coordinating body, which is comprised of senior leadership from across the Department. The BHCC’s primary goal is to facilitate collaborative, innovative, transparent, equitable, and action-oriented approaches to addressing the HHS’ behavioral health agenda. (5/19/21) READ MORE
MyFloridaMyFamily was launched in September 2020 by Governor and First Lady DeSantis and DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. It is a website that acts a gateway to family support services to pair those in need with local faith institutions and community organizations eager to help. It also serves as a landing site for foster and adoptive parent recruitment in Florida. It includes:
National Addiction Treatment Week is an initiative which promotes that addiction is a disease, evidence-based treatments are available, and recovery is possible. The week also highlights the need for clinicians to enter the field of addiction medicine.
Join us October 19 - 25, 2020!
(10/16/20)
READ MORE
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. (10/2/20, Updated 10/16/20) READ MORE
This global event was designed to raise awareness of overdoses, end the stigma and acknowledge the grief accompanying the deaths and permanent injuries they cause families and communities. (8/21/20) READ MORE
Governor DeSantis names Melanie Brown-Wofter, FBHA President, to serve in the Re-open Florida Task Force (4/22/20) READ MORE
With families encouraged to stay at home due to the nationwide health crisis, the Drug Enforcement Administration is asking Americans to keep prescription medications safe and secure until they can properly dispose of them. The Secure Your Meds awareness campaign addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. The campaign also prompts families to discuss the issue of controlled prescription drug abuse. (4/22/20) READ MORE
The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services issued New Guidance Regarding Enhanced Medicaid Funding for States in light of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116-127). (3/24/20) READ MORE
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy releases the President’s National Drug Control Strategy and the accompanying National Treatment Plan, an evidence-based framework to increase Americans’ access to high-quality SUD treatment and support those in long-term recovery. The Strategy focuses Federal government efforts along three complementary lines of effort: (1) prevent initiates to drug use through education and evidence-based prevention programs; (2) continue to reduce barriers to treatment services; and (3) continue work to drastically reduce the availability of these drugs in the United States. (2/4/20) READ MORE
The Perinatal Provider Toolkit is a centralized online reference to help health care providers quickly access reputable resource information on perinatal substance use for patient treatment and education. The toolkit is for any member of the healthcare team serving pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders (SUD) such as:
The AHRQ Academy developed the Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Playbook (referred to as the MAT for OUD Playbook), a practical guide for implementing MAT in primary care and other ambulatory care settings. While the Playbook aims to help providers in rural primary care, the information in the Playbook should apply to other ambulatory care settings. This interactive, web-based product has the latest guidance, tools, and resources that address key aspects of implementation. (10/2/19) READ MORE
State and federal health authorities are focusing on the role of contaminants or counterfeit substances as a likely cause of vaping-related lung illnesses — now up to 354 possible cases in 29 states, nearly double the number reported to be under investigation last week, The Washington Post has learned. (9/16/19) READ MORE
The SUPPORT Act extends the privilege of prescribing buprenorphine in office-based settings to Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNSs, CRNSs, and CNMs)* until October 1, 2023. (9/6/19) READ MORE
As the number of overdoses has increased, so has the number of babies born suffering from withdrawal, the pain of addiction cascading from one generation to the next. (9/4/19) READ MORE
Cultural and linguistic competency is recognized as an important strategy for improving the quality of care provided to clients from diverse backgrounds. The goal of this e-learning program is to help behavioral health professionals increase their cultural and linguistic competency. (7/8/19) READ MORE
Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing. Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining. Increasingly, young people today do not consider marijuana use a risky behavior. (6/20/19) READ MORE
Need help explaining addiction to your kids? Check out our new video, “Addiction & the Brain.” Created in partnership with Prevention Action Alliance, a statewide organization based in Ohio, the video explains how repeated substance misuse can hijack the brain, and why delaying use until the brain has matured is so important. (6/17/19) READ MORE
ABC NEWS (06/03) – Posing as heroin users seeking help, researchers contacted hundreds of treatment clinics in U.S. states with the highest overdose death rates. The "secret shoppers" were denied appointments much of the time, especially if they
said they were insured through Medicaid. The study revealed other roadblocks: high fees and a government website riddled with wrong phone numbers (6/10/19) READ MORE
Further Reading:
What determines how healthy we are? We like to think it’s health care, but health-related behaviors and social circumstances are the biggest determiners of health, resilience and recovery... (5/17/19) READ MORE
Florida's One Behavioral Health Association Supports First Lady Casey DeSantis in the Establishment of Hope for Healing Florida: A Multi-Agency Mental Health and Substance Abuse Campaign (5/17/19) READ MORE
The Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and SAMHSA are accepting applications for Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants. The DFC Support Program has two goals: 1) Establish and strengthen
collaboration to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth; and 2) Reduce substance abuse among youth, and over time, among adults, by addressing factors in a community that increase
risk and promoting factors that minimize risk of substance abuse.
SAMHSA plans to issue 150 grants of up to $125,000 per year for up to 5 years.
Application Due Date: Monday, July 8, 2019 (5/16/19) READ MORE
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) recently released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion
(RCORP-MAT Expansion). HRSA plans to invest approximately $8 million in rural communities as part of this funding opportunity.
View the funding opportunity here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=314041
FORHP held a webinar for applicants on May 16, 2019. A recording has been made available. Please reference page ii in the NOFO for the dial-in and playback information for the webinar. You can also contact ruralopioidresponse@hrsa.gov
for questions pertaining to the NOFO. (5/16/19) READ MORE
April 1st, 2019, Governor DeSantis Secures Additional $26M in Federal Funding for Florida’s State Opioid Response Project, Re-Establishes Office of Drug Control within the Executive Office of the Governor and Orders a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse. (4/2/19) READ MORE
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to present the inaugural episode of our new podcast series, CMS: Beyond the Policy. We’ve heard from stakeholders that they don’t often have time to read lengthy policy documents and participate in training. During some of our recent outreach and education efforts we heard first hand from doctors that a podcast would be a great way to present important, up-to-date information. With the goal in mind to inform the broadest audience possible about changes and updates made within CMS, we took that suggestion and created this podcast. (2/20/19) READ MORE
Despite evidence that maternal depression is common and can impede the development of young children, it is often undiagnosed and untreated. Medicaid can play a leading role in identifying at-risk mothers and connecting them to treatment. NASHP’s new fact sheet provides background on maternal depression while also presenting a summary of state Medicaid policies for screening for maternal depression in the context of well-child visits. (1/31/19) READ MORE
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared a mobile medical application (app) to help increase retention (the amount of time a patient participates) in an outpatient treatment program for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The reSET-O app is a prescription cognitive behavioral therapy intended to be used in addition to outpatient treatment under the care of a health care professional, in conjunction with treatment that includes buprenorphine and contingency management. Contingency management is a behavior modification intervention that establishes a connection between new, targeted behavior and the opportunity to obtain a desired reward. (1/4/19) READ MORE
The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently released the results from their annual Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey which shows that while opioid misuse is at a record low, teen vaping use is at an all-time high. (1/3/19) READ MORE
Florida’s program serves as a nationally accepted treatment for opioid use disorder through the use of medication-assisted treatment combined with behavioral health counseling. (12/10/18) READ MORE
An annual data brief published by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics presents U.S. mortality data on death rates showing that life expectancy at birth decreased in 2017. (12/4/18) READ MORE
The Florida Department of Children and Families Naloxone Locator Tool connects individuals in the community with local distribution sites and other helpful resources and information. (11/15/18) READ MORE
The FDA has approved a new, potent, fast-acting opioid, Dsuvia, for administration in certified medically-supervised health care settings and battlefield treatments. (11/9/18) READ MORE
The DEA announced results of the 2018 National Drug Threat Assessment, which outlines the threats posed to the United States by drug trafficking and the abuse of illicit drugs. (11/5/18) READ MORE
The new legislative package, H.R. 6, addresses the opioid crisis through treatment and recovery initiatives, improving prevention, protecting communities, and combating illicit synthetic drugs. (11/1/18) READ MORE
The American Society of Addiction Medicine’s dimensions of multidimensional assessments are referenced in the Definitions section (Subtitle F IMD Care Act, Sec. 5052) of H.R. 6, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which became public law on 10/24/18. State Medicaid programs covering care in IMD must meet certain requirements, including the use of ASAM dimensions. Read more about the ASAM Criteria. READ MORE
A proposed administrative rule change was released on Tuesday affecting Florida's Substance Abuse Services. This week FBHA members received an analysis of the proposed changes, affecting the rule which was originally published 12/2017. (10/26/18) READ MORE
Baptist Medical Center Nassau and Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare team up to help patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders. (10/11/18) READ MORE
The Agency for Health Care Administration reviews upcoming changes to Florida’s new contracts. (9/14/18) READ MORE
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine scientists publish results of their study in Nature Communications. READ MORE
The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified a mixture of heroin and fentanyl found in the Ross Correctional Institution. (9/6/18) READ MORE
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduces a new payment and service delivery model to reduce expenditures and improve care for children covered by Medicaid with behavioral and physical health needs. (8/23/18) READ MORE
Research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health has shown that a shorter therapy may be just as effective as lengthier first-line treatments. (8/8/18) READ MORE
The Senate passed its version of a legislative package to address the opioid crisis; the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 passed in a 99 to 1 vote. (9/20/18) READ MORE
SAMHSA announces the release of 4 new Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby: Opioids in Pregnancy fact sheets. (8/30/18) READ MORE
Small-scale study involved clinicians who received a letter from the county medical examiner notifying them that a patient they had prescribed opioids to in the past twelve months had a fatal overdose. (8/9/18) READ MORE
Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Spotlight on Opioids calls for a cultural shift in the way Americans talk about the opioid crisis and recommends actions that can prevent and treat opioid misuse and promote recovery. (9/20/18) READ MORE
A new series of targeted free training modules are now available for child welfare workforce and judicial staff (9/12/18). READ MORE
NIDA announced that the latest Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey results on substance use trends are now available online, comparing substance use patterns of full-time college students to their non-college peers (9/5/18). READ MORE
Explore tips and events related to the 2018 National Recovery Month; the theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community (9/10/18). READ MORE
SAMHSA announces the release of the Spanish translation of the updated Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (8/9/18). READ MORE
A new tool to assist clinicians implementing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder is now available. READ MORE
A collaborative effort between government entities, the 2018 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey was just released and assesses risk and protective factors among students. (9/24/18) READ MORE
The National Council released its CCBHC Addiction Treatment Impact survey report, Bridging the Addiction Treatment Gap: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. The report’s findings support the role of CCBHCs in addiction treatment. (6/12/18) READ MORE
SAMHSA announces the update of an important resource on opioid overdose prevention, the SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit. READ MORE
In April, CMS updated the publication Frequently Asked Questions about Billing Medicare for Behavioral Health Integration Services to the Physician Fee Schedule (4/17/18). READ MORE
FDA warns companies selling illegal, unapproved kratom products marketed for opioid cessation (5/22/18). READ MORE
The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida has a funding opportunity for prevention programs to "Reduce substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) among pregnant and parenting women and teenagers" among other initiatives. READ MORE
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has joined with Discovery Education to combat substance misuse nationwide. Results are a range of fresh resources including virtual field trips, parent resources, and a national video challenge. READ MORE
The New York Times Magazine publishes the experiences of mothers struggling to overcome addiction. READ MORE
Attorney General Jeff Sessions proposed a change to national drug policy by limiting the amount of opioids that certain companies can manufacture each year. READ MORE
Alcohol use is the subject of a new fact sheet published by SAMHSA as a prevention resource written specifically for preteens and teens. READ MORE
SAMHSA announces the launch of the Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center, which aims to provide communities, clinicians, policymakers, and others in the field with the information and tools they need to incorporate evidence-based practices into their communities or clinical settings. READ MORE
Prevention Conversations is a series of short videos produced by SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies. Hear SAMHSA prevention grantees and specialists share information and stories related to the prevention of opioid misuse, overdose, and other substance-related problems. Learn more about effective approaches to preventing these pressing substance misuse problems at http://www.samhsa.gov/capt.
A new online statistical resource from AHRQ allows users to compare county-level hospitalization rates for opioids, alcohol, stimulants and other drugs. To support efforts to address the opioids crisis, AHRQ has also updated an interactive map to provide county-specific data on opioid-related hospitalization rates in 32 states. READ MORE
In a study published the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, researchers found 82 percent said music influenced their decision to try it. READ MORE
SAMHSA has produced new briefs that describe how peer supports advance recovery and add value to behavioral health systems. READ MORE
Hospital stays involving hepatitis C increased 67 percent among “Baby Boomer” patients between 2005 and 2014, more than any other age group, according to a new AHRQ statistical brief. READ MORE
DOH's Drug Policy Advisory Council publishes their 2017 Annual Report that includes recommendations, summarizes last year's accomplishments, and connects the latest statistics to policy. READ MORE
Released by the Trust for America’s Health, the study highlights solutions and calls for a national resilience strategy. READ MORE
The Florida Medical Examiners Commission released its 2016 annual report, Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners. The report, covering Jan. through Dec. 2016, shows drugs either caused or were present in 11,910 deaths across Florida. Data is collected on 46 drugs including opioids, benzodiazepines, and cocaine. READ MORE
>On March 29, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The Commission will be chaired by Governor Chris Christie and will study ways to combat and treat the scourge of drug abuse, addiction, and the opioid crisis. READ MORE
Addicted inmates in Orange County Jail on waiting list to get into program. READ MORE