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 in promoting the nation’s prevention, treatment and recovery support services for individuals, families and communities.  Thus, my primary task will be to identify and assist legislative efforts that help SAMHSA achieve its mission of reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

Who am I?

Without getting too deep into my whole background, I am a person passionate about policy, I enjoy politics, and – please don’t hold this last one against me – I have a law degree.  I have worked in the field of government relations for most of my career and my experience with the behavioral health community stems from my prior positions at the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA)/American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Why join SAMHSA now?

In a time of fiscal austerity the need to continue to provide behavioral health services and programs is even more important.  I felt at this time it is vitally important that Congress know more about the work SAMHSA and its grantees conduct on a daily basis to assist individuals, community-based organizations, and local and state governments.

I look forward to working with SAMHSA’s constituencies and Congress to help spread the messages that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover.