 $3.5 million grant will help DHSS treat persons with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders November 12, 2003
"This grant will help
DHSS increase the capacity of state treatment systems to provide
effective, coordinated and integrated treatment services to persons
with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders,"
said Commissioner of Health and Social Services Joel Gilbertson.
"Too often individuals with co-occurring disorders cycle
back through our system time and time again because they aren't
treated for both problems at the same time. We aim to change
that with the funds from this grant by ensuring that individuals
receive coordinated treatment." "This program builds on SAMHSA's Report to Congress on Prevention and Treatment of Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders," Curie said. "That report acknowledged that too often individuals are treated for only one of the two disorders, if they receive treatment at all. These grants are part of SAMHSA's action plan to help states create a system for treating people for both disorders, so any door the individual walks through for medical care will be the door to comprehensive treatment." The Alaska grant will allow
the state to improve the identification and treatment of individuals
with co-occurring disorders throughout a diverse service delivery
system. Alaska will address improving screening, assessment,
treatment, and training. Alaska will plan infrastructure development
that focuses on: staffing competency, credentialing, and licensure;
financial planning and reimbursement; and information sharing
and data collection. The work will fulfill a state goal of integrating
mental health and substance abuse services.
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