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Articles Archive for May 2012

Featured, Headline, Health Disparities, LGBT, Mental Health, Public Awareness and Support, Treatment »

[ 31 May 2012 | No Comment ]
Panel discussion at the 65th World Health Assembly

Written By: Winnie Mitchell, International Officer, SAMHSA 
At the May 21-26 World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, SAMHSA Administrator, Pam Hyde, gave the U.S. statement in favor of a historic resolution on “The Global Burden of Mental Disorders” and the need for a comprehensive, coordinated response from health and social sectors at the country level that was enacted by the technical committee with only two minor amendments.  The resolution went on to the full Assembly where it passed without opposition.
Over thirty countries joined Administrator Hyde in stating support for the …

Military Families, Public Awareness and Support »

[ 25 May 2012 | No Comment ]
Picture of the American Flag

Written By: Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., SAMHSA Administrator
Service, duty, honor, courage, and sacrifice are words that come to mind when we stop to reflect on why America celebrates the Memorial Day holiday.  Since its beginning, Memorial Day has been an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s fallen heroes – more than one million service members – who have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms.
Today we have a new generation of heroes to honor with over two million service members having deployed to Iraq …

Featured, Headline, Mental Health, Prevention, Public Awareness and Support, Wellness »

[ 25 May 2012 | 2 Comments ]
Logo for National Prevention Week May 20-26

Written By: Frances M. Harding, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) health is the overall psychological well-being of individuals and includes the presence of positive characteristics, such as the abilities to deal with stress, demonstrate flexibility under changing environments, and recover from adverse situations.1 It’s estimated that only 17 percent of all U.S. adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health and emotional well-being.2 Among adults reporting a MEB disorder during their lifetime, more than half said the disorder started in childhood …

Featured, Headline, Prevention, Public Awareness and Support, Suicide »

[ 24 May 2012 | No Comment ]
Logo for National Prevention Week May 20-26

Written By: Frances M. Harding, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Suicide is devastating to family, friends, and communities. SAMHSA estimates that for each person that dies by suicide, 5 to 10 other people are severely affected by the loss.1 Each year, suicide accounts for more than 37,000 deaths in the United States, meaning hundreds of thousands of people are touched by this issue.2
People of all ages die by suicide, but youth are specifically at risk. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds.3 Gay, …

Alcohol, Featured, Headline, Prevention, Public Awareness and Support »

[ 23 May 2012 | One Comment ]
Logo for National Prevention Week May 20-26

Written By: Frances M. Harding, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
We continue to celebrate National Prevention Week, and today’s theme focuses on preventing alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption at high levels can pose serious safety and health risks and is associated with approximately 79,000 deaths per year.1 Nearly 18 million people aged 12 or older were classified with alcohol dependence or abuse in 2010.2
Several problems are associated with alcohol dependence, including liver damage, diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and chronic disease. These side effects take a toll not only on the person who …