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Articles Archive for July 2011

Prevention »

[ 28 Jul 2011 | No Comment ]
New Approach to Prevention and Promotion

Over the past 18 months SAMHSA has experienced many changes, but no bigger change than the identification of the Eight Strategic Initiatives and making prevention SAMHSA’s number one initiative.  Earlier this year SAMHSA unveiled its 2012 budget, and in advancing the change occurring at all levels of SAMHSA, the 2012 budget has been changed to reflect SAMHSA’s new budget structure and policy focus that emphasizes meeting the behavioral health needs of people rather than focusing on the conditions that afflict them.  With this new approach, SAMHSA is expanding substance abuse …

Open Government, Public Awareness and Support »

[ 20 Jul 2011 | 3 Comments ]
To Challenge or Not to Challenge

Last year the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in partnership with ChallengePost launched an online challenge platform, challenge.gov, to aggregate all challenges being offered across the federal government.  The intent of challenge.gov is to empower the U.S. Government and the public to bring the best ideas and top talent to bear on our nation’s most pressing challenges.
What is a challenge?
A challenge is a solicitation from one party to a third party to develop a strategy or tangible solution to a particular problem. In other words, a challenge is where an …

Public Awareness and Support »

[ 14 Jul 2011 | 3 Comments ]
Introducing SAMHSA’s New Legislative Director, Brian Altman

Written By: Brian Altman, Legislative Director
As an individual who cares deeply about behavioral health issues and someone who understands the importance of the role Congress plays in the role of SAMHSA and the program’s the agency delivers, I could not be more thrilled to be on board as the Legislative Director.
What exactly does a Legislative Director for SAMHSA do?
Well, it depends on the day.  But, in general, I will be serving as SAMHSA’s chief liaison with Congress and will also work closely with other outside organizations that support SAMHSA’s work …

Public Awareness and Support »

[ 8 Jul 2011 | 6 Comments ]
SAMHSA’s Changing Role

Written By: Mark Weber, Director Office of Communications
Have you ever seen a random dot autostereogram? It’s a picture that depicts a 3D image but is hidden in a repeated pattern of random dots.  In order to see the picture a person has to step back and look at the image in its entirety and not focus on one or two specific dots.
Like the many dots that make up an autostereogram, to get a complete picture of a modern behavioral health system many illnesses and disorders, services, programs, initiatives and people …

Office of Behavioral Health Equity »

[ 7 Jul 2011 | 2 Comments ]
Change mind(s)

Stereotypes, fear, or not knowing signs and symptoms of psychological distress could be the biggest barriers to students asking for or receiving help. What stereotypes exist surrounding mental health in your peer groups, families, or communities? Does going to counseling seem frightening or mysterious? Do you know the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse?