SAMHSA News: V20(3), Fall 2012

2012·4 MB·English

News
FFAALLLL 22001122
WWWWWW..SSAAMMHHSSAA..GGOOVV •• 11--887777--SSAAMMHHSSAA--77 ((11--887777--772266--44772277)) VVOOLLUUMMEE 2200 •• NNUUMMBBEERR 33
Preventing
Suicide
Across
the Nation
Jordan Burnham Shares
His Story of Suicide
Survival to Help Others
SAMHSA News Goes Paperless In This Issue
As of January 2013, SAMHSA News will only be distributed
via email. Sign up today at www.samhsa.gov. View From the Administrator 2
Preventing Suicide Across the Nation 3
Behavioral Health is Essential to Health, Prevention Works,
Recent Events 5
Treatment is Effective, People Recover
With Peer Support, Recovery Is Possible 6
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA Responds to Recent Disasters 8
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Center for Mental Health Services Affordable Care Act 9
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
www.samhsa.gov Tobacco Sales to Youth Lowest Ever 10
www.samhsa.gov/samhsaNewsletter New CMHS Director 12
View From the Administrator: Working Together to Prevent Suicide
S
uicide is to provide training for students, The updated National Strategy
one of our families, faculty, staff, and highlights additional resources
nation’s greatest communities. for preventing suicide today, such
public health as using technology like social
problems and “SAMHSA is committed to media and implementing better
it’s largely coordination of care among health
preventable. care professionals. It recognizes
continuing its work with
New developments over the past that suicide is a complex issue
decade are shedding light on ways that requires a comprehensive and
private organizations and
everyone can help prevent suicide. coordinated approach. SAMHSA
Reflecting significant changes in the is committed to continuing its work
landscape, the Office of the Surgeon federal departments in with private organizations and
General and the National Action federal departments such as the
Alliance for Suicide Prevention order to provide states, U.S. Department of Defense and
recently released an updated U.S. Department of Veterans
National Strategy for Suicide Affairs in order to provide states,
territories, tribes, and
Prevention. SAMHSA is proud to territories, tribes, and communities
be part of the Action Alliance, a with the resources they need to help
communities with the
public-private organization that prevent suicide.
was created as a result of the first
resources they need to I encourage everyone to read the
National Strategy, and applauds this
National Strategy and learn about
important update.
the many resources, programs,
help prevent suicide.”
In the decade since the first and tools available to help prevent
National Strategy was issued in suicide in your community. It is
2001, the suicide prevention Advancements also include the imperative that Americans work
field, including SAMHSA, has creation of the National Suicide together to reach out to those at
made significant strides in suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1–800– risk. Together, we can help prevent
prevention. Accomplishments 273–TALK (8255), as well as the pain that suicide brings to
include the enactment of the collaborations with the Veterans individuals, their loved ones, and
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Crisis Line. The SAMHSA-funded entire communities.
(see SAMHSA News November/ Suicide Prevention Resource Center
— Pamela S. Hyde, J.D.
December 2007), which created (SPRC) advances the National
the first significant federal grant Strategy by providing technical
program to states, tribes, territories, assistance, training, and materials
and institutions of higher education to increase the knowledge and To read or download
for youth and college suicide expertise of individuals serving a copy of the National
prevention efforts. Through these people at risk for suicide. The Strategy, visit www.
SAMHSA-managed grants, funds SPRC also maintains databases of samhsa.gov/nssp or
are used to enhance a range of evidence-based programs and scan this code with
behavioral health services and best practices. your smartphone.
2 I SAMHSA News I FALL 2012
S U I C I D E
PREVENTION:
A National Priority
A
t age 16, Jordan Burnham was a popular healthy. That meant taking his medication message is that you’re not the only one
high school student, always smiling regularly, being completely honest with going through these problems, but you
and laughing. Being diagnosed with his therapist, stopping his drinking, and can verbalize them, and you can cope with
depression came as a surprise, as he had tapping into a strong support system, them in a healthy way.”
become an expert in hiding his feelings. including his parents. Knowing it was a
Jordan is sharing his message through
miracle to be alive after his suicide attempt,
“It seemed as though I had everything media appearances and a video for suicide
Jordan became determined to make his
that I wanted—a girlfriend, playing sports, attempt survivors, Stories of Hope and
second chance a positive one.
popular. But still, it felt like there was a Recovery, released by SAMHSA this
hole inside of me, and I couldn’t figure out fall. Jordan is not alone; SAMHSA’s 2010
“I just wanted to be content
why I had a lack of motivation to get out National Survey on Drug Use and Health
of bed, why I was randomly crying,” (NSDUH) shows that 3.8 percent of adults
with how my life was and try
Jordan says. age 18 and older in the United States,
or an estimated 8.7 million people, had
The pressure to do well in school, fit
to help other people so that serious thoughts of suicide within the past
in, and make his parents proud led to
year. Approximately 2.5 million adults
drinking and suicidal thoughts. In 11th
it didn’t get to that point for made suicide plans in the past year, and
grade, Jordan was hospitalized. But
1.1 million adults attempted suicide in the
despite medication and twice-weekly
past year. Like Jordan, many people who
sessions with a counselor, Jordan didn’t someone else.”
struggle with suicidal thoughts also have
immediately take his depression seriously.
problems with substance use; the 2010
In therapy, he says, “I was probably 80
“I knew that I could cope with depression NSDUH also indicates that adults who
percent honest,” and he didn’t admit that
in a better way,” he realized. “I just wanted have substance dependence or misuse are
he had stopped taking his medication.
to be content with how my life was and try more than four times more likely to report
It took a suicide attempt at age 18 to shock to help other people so that it didn’t get serious thoughts of suicide than those
Jordan into making a commitment to get to that point for someone else. The main who do not.
Continued on page 4
www.samhsa.gov/samhsaNewsletter I 3
Continued from page 3
Suicide Prevention rates can be significantly reduced through with criminal justice agencies
applying a comprehensive set of suicide • Following up with patients who are
Strategy
prevention recommendations, including not adhering to treatment
providing 24-hour crisis teams and • Addressing co-occurring disorders
To reduce the number of people like conducting community outreach. Other (a combination of a mental and a
Jordan who suffer needlessly from helpful measures include: substance use disorder)
suicidal thoughts, SAMHSA and the • Reviewing and sharing information
• Removing access to materials that
U.S. Department of Health and Human with families after a suicide.
could be used for suicide
Services (HHS) have made suicide
• Training frontline staff within mental Among these recommendations, providing
prevention a national priority. This fall,
health systems to better manage 24-hour crisis care was linked to the largest
U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin,
suicide risk decrease in suicide rates. The SAMHSA-
M.D., M.B.A.—along with the National
• Contacting people within 7 days of funded National Suicide Prevention
Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention,
their discharge from a mental health Lifeline, 1–800–273–TALK (8255),
a national public-private collaboration
program provides more than 800,000 callers a year
that includes SAMHSA—issued the 2012
• Developing written policies for with confidential, 24/7 crisis counseling
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention:
sharing information about suicide risk and mental health referrals through a
Goals and Objectives for Action.
For the past 10 years, the nation has been
guided by a 2001 strategy that was released
by then-Surgeon General David Satcher, Suicide Prevention Resources
which laid the groundwork by organizing
a strategic approach to suicide prevention.
One of the major milestones from the first SAMHSA-supported suicide prevention resources include:
National Strategy was the formation of the
• www.samhsa.gov/nssp
National Action Alliance, which advances
suicide prevention efforts nationwide and • www.sprc.org
was tasked with updating the National • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1–800–273–TALK (8255)
Strategy over time. (veterans and service members can press 1)
The newest • The Lifeline’s newly launched blog, “You Matter,” for young adults,
National www.youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Strategy
• The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1–800–985–5990.
identifies ways
to reduce the These and other suicide prevention resources are available at
incidence of www.store.samhsa.gov:
suicide across
• Stories of Hope and Recovery: A Video Guide for Suicide Attempt Survivors
the nation and
within high-risk • Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools
populations,
• Suicide Warning Signs: Get the Facts and Take Action wallet card
such as older
• After an Attempt: Guide for Taking Care of Yourself After Treatment in the
men, individuals bereaved by the suicide
Emergency Department (in English and Spanish)
of someone close to them, and those
with a mental or substance use disorder. • Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) pocket card
It reflects advances in understanding for clinicians
effective suicide prevention approaches,
• Promoting Emotional Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior
such as talk therapy, crisis lines, use of
Living Communities
technology, and close coordination of care
among health care professionals. • TIP 50: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse
Treatment.
For example, a 2012 U.K. study cited in
the National Strategy shows that suicide
4 I SAMHSA News I FALL 2012
Recent Events
national network of more than 155 local
crisis call centers. Celebrating Recovery Month
Comprehensive
Now in its 23rd year, the SAMHSA-sponsored National
Solutions Needed
Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of
prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and
Historically, as the National Strategy substance use disorders. This year’s theme, “Join the
outlines, suicide prevention was viewed Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It,” emphasizes that the
as the primary territory of mental health benefits recovery brings to individuals, families, and
agencies because of its close link to communities far outweigh any difficulties on the road to recovery.
mental illness. However, most people
Recovery Month’s 150 planning partners, along with states, cities, and national and local
who have a mental disorder do not
organizations, hosted hundreds of events.
engage in suicidal behaviors, according
Available on Recovery Month’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/RecoveryMonth, a new
to an Institute of Medicine study cited
Pledge4Recovery campaign allows people to pledge to make a difference all year long. For more
in the National Strategy. Moreover,
information visit www.recoverymonth.gov.
mental health is only one of many
factors that can influence suicide risk;
National Wellness Week
life experiences such as trauma or having
chronic physical pain also can affect
suicide risk.
Cities from coast to coast joined together with SAMHSA to celebrate
the second annual National Wellness Week, September 17–23. As a
The new National Strategy recognizes that
part of National Recovery Month, National Wellness Week promotes
it will require comprehensive solutions
the many ways wellness activities can improve quality of life for people
to address the complicated problem
with mental and substance use disorders.
of suicide, with multiple approaches
implemented at multiple levels. For In collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office
example, enhancing people’s connections of Women’s Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human
to others—something anyone can do, Services’ (HHS) Million Hearts™, SAMHSA’s National Wellness Week
regardless of background or profession— aims to inspire individuals to improve their wellness through modifying
can help reduce feelings of depression at least one physical health behavior, while exploring their talents,
and isolation, which contribute to suicide skills, interests, social connections, and environment to incorporate other dimensions of wellness.
risk, according to the Suicide Prevention Read more about National Wellness Week 2012 at www.samhsa.gov/wellness.
Resource Center (SPRC).
Voice Awards
The National Strategy notes that with
the advent of new technologies, it is
becoming even easier to help people in Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers and producer Shonda
crisis. These include mobile apps that Rhimes were among those recognized at SAMHSA’s Seventh Annual
enable people to chart moods and access Voice Awards.
crisis lines and a new Facebook feature
Mr. World Peace received a SAMHSA Special Recognition Award for
that enables the reporting of suicidal
his work supporting mental health issues and treatment services for
content. Working together to change
children.
the conversation and remove barriers
to life-saving help can be extremely Ms. Rhimes was recognized with a Career Achievement Award for
rewarding, as Jordan Burnham attests: her ongoing efforts to educate television audiences about the real
“It’s very therapeutic to be able to tell my experiences of people with behavioral health problems and those
story, knowing that it’s helping someone affected by trauma.
else and knowing that I’m making a The Voice Awards are a collaborative effort of SAMHSA, members of the entertainment industry,
difference in adding a positive light and the behavioral health community. This year the awards had a special focus on the behavioral
to society.” n health challenges of athletes, their resilience, and their paths to recovery. For a full list of award
recipients visit www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov.
www.samhsa.gov/samhsaNewsletter I 5
With Peer Support, Recovery is Possible
W
hen Lauren Spiro was 16 years old, When National Recovery Month began in recover, and what approaches facilitate
doctors told her she had chronic 1989, many behavioral health professionals the recovery process. The movement also
schizophrenia and would never recover. didn’t believe recovery was possible. seeks to empower consumers to make
For years, Ms. Spiro kept her diagnosis a Thanks in part to advocacy by consumers decisions for themselves. “Having a place
secret from the wider world, even as she themselves, the field has made great in their own recovery,” said Mr. Brown, is
learned to ignore the voices in her head progress in the 23 years since then. the essence of the consumer movement.
and became a mental health professional
Mental Health
SAMHSA, through its Community
herself. But it was eventually sharing her
Support Program (CSP), has helped
story with others—and hearing how they
In the mental health arena, the consumer the movement by giving consumers
overcame similar experiences—that played
movement has promoted not only the opportunities to come together, by
the most powerful role in her recovery.
idea that recovery is possible, but also that
supporting consumer organizations at the
consumers should play a key role in their
“If someone is feeling like ending their state and national levels, and by promoting
recovery.
life or hearing voices or having thoughts peer-run programs, shared decision-
racing, we can say, ‘I’ve been there; I hear “The consumer movement is sort of a making, and person-centered care.
you,’” she said. “We can say, ‘I will hold civil rights movement,” said Neal Brown,
your hope for you if you don’t feel it M.P.A., Chief of the Community Support The CSP-funded Consumer-Operated
right now.’” Programs Branch of SAMHSA’s Center for Services Program (COSP) Multisite
Mental Health Services (CMHS). Research Initiative helped establish
Today, Ms. Spiro directs the National the evidence base for such alternative
The movement began in the 1960s, when
Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, programs. It found that participation
former psychiatric hospital patients came
an organization devoted to ensuring in mutual support programs, drop-in
together to fight a system they viewed as
consumers of mental health services have centers, and other consumer-run services
unresponsive at best and abusive at worst.
a voice in policy decisions that affect them. significantly boosts consumers’ well-being
She’s also a prime example of both the It aims to educate people about what and empowerment, and that the more
power of peers and the possibility consumers with mental disorders have consumers use such services, the greater
of recovery. experienced, how people can and do their gains. SAMHSA used the results of
6 I SAMHSA News I FALL 2012
With Peer Support, Recovery is Possible
that and other research to create a toolkit possession at age 17, and found himself year, SAMHSA and behavioral health
called the Consumer-Operated Services incarcerated by age 18. At age 29, he consumers developed a new working
Evidence-Based Practices Kit. received treatment for the first time. A definition of recovery from both mental
friend in recovery gave him a job and and substance use disorders as: “a process
In recent years, people in recovery from
advice as someone who knew what he was of change through which individuals
mental illness have become important
going through and for 2 years he lived improve their health and wellness, live
members of SAMHSA’s staff and have
in a consumer-run, drug-free home. “In a self-directed life, and strive to reach
helped guide innovative activities (see
certain areas of the District at that time, their full potential.” SAMHSA’s National
SAMHSA News p. 12, “New CMHS
drugs were everywhere,” he remembered. Survey on Drug Use and Health has also
Director”). “SAMHSA has constantly been
“To have a safe place and know that other broadened its focus to include mental
a support for the consumer movement,”
people in the house were recovering
disorders in recent years.
said Mr. Brown, “but it’s the consumers
also just led to a lot of support.” He
themselves who make it all happen.” also became active in the DC Recovery That integration makes sense for
Substance Use Community Alliance, recovery clubs, and consumers who know firsthand that
other groups. mental and substance use disorders often
go hand in hand.
In the substance use field, individuals
and families seeking recovery have had Definition of Recovery: Eric McDaniel is one such consumer
challenges in accessing formal treatment who has struggled with co-occurring
services. The 19th and early 20th century A process of change through disorders. At age 29, alcoholism and
saw the emergence of mutual aid societies. depression had destroyed his promising
Alcoholics Anonymous, for example,
which individuals improve career as a trial lawyer and left him
began in 1935.
thinking of suicide.
New grassroots organizations developed their health and wellness, live
“Everybody hears a lot about active
in the late 1990s that supported the new
addiction, and we all know what that looks
recovery advocacy movement. The a self-directed life, and strive
like,” said Mr. McDaniel. “What’s important
movement organizes local and national
to get out is that there are millions of
communities to give voice to people in to reach their full potential.
Americans in long-term recovery.”
recovery and their family members. In
addition, the movement is educating the Peers helped Mr. McDaniel with his
public, policymakers, and providers about recovery. In addition to more than a year
Now Mr. Thornton returns the favor,
the many pathways to addiction recovery. in a consumer-run recovery house, he
encouraging others to get involved and
had access to group therapy. “It was really
The Recovery Community Services providing mentorship and support. “I
important to have people I could share my
Program (RCSP) was funded by can be a model, an example,” says Mr.
feelings and experiences with,” he said. “It
SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Thornton, who now directs the Mayor’s
Treatment (CSAT) in 1998. The purpose Office on Returning Citizen Affairs. also helped me, because I was able to learn
of the program is to help mobilize from the experiences of others.”
Coming Together
communities of recovery and foster the
Now more than 4 years into his recovery,
development of recovery community
Mr. McDaniel is Program Coordinator
organizations. In 2002, the RCSP funded The recovery movement is increasingly
at Faces and Voices of Recovery in
local recovery community organizations to focusing on both mental and substance use
Washington, DC, which provides
provide peer recovery support services and disorders. For example, in 2011, Recovery
education, advocacy, and capacity-building
promote the development of peer leaders. Month broadened its focus to include
for the recovery community. Says Mr.
mental as well as substance use disorders.
Peer support in Alcoholics Anonymous McDaniel: “Recovery has given my life
and Narcotics Anonymous helped keep SAMHSA sponsored other efforts in 2011 new meaning.”
Charles Thornton away from alcohol, to promote dialogue and collaboration
heroin, cocaine, and other drugs. Growing between the CSAT-funded RCSP and the For more information about recovery, visit
up in Washington, DC, Mr. Thornton CMHS-funded Statewide Consumer Grant www.samhsa.gov/recovery. For additonal
started using marijuana, got arrested for Program, among other efforts. That same resources, visit www.store.samhsa.gov. n
www.samhsa.gov/samhsaNewsletter I 7
SAMHSA Responds to Recent Disasters
“Behavioral health is essential to health,
which also makes it an integral part of
helping Americans overcome disasters,”
said Administrator Hyde. “When
disaster strikes, it is critical that people
and communities get the tools and
resources they need as soon as possible
so that they can begin the recovery
process.”
In addition to responding to disasters,
SAMHSA helps states, territories, tribes,
and local entities prepare in advance
and provide effective, comprehensive
August 30, 2012—A resident of Pointe a la Hache, LA, sits on the stairs of his home that was flooded behavioral health services after a disaster
in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA
occurs. SAMHSA also offers technical
H assistance, training, expert consultation,
urricanes, wildfires, tornados, dedicated to providing disaster-related
and information exchange. The SAMHSA-
earthquakes, floods, and severe crisis counseling. The helpline connects
funded Disaster Technical Assistance
drought. The United States has recently callers to staff from the closest crisis
Center (www.samhsa.gov/dtac) supports
experienced all of these. No matter the counseling center in a nationwide network.
these and other disaster-related efforts.
source, a natural disaster or other tragedy
The helpline is just one part of a portfolio
can result in anxiety, anger, depression,
of other disaster response activities For more information about disaster
and other difficult emotions. And
from SAMHSA. In fact, responding to reactions, warning signs, coping tips,
those reactions don’t just occur among
behavioral health needs after disasters is and other SAMHSA resources, visit
the people living in the affected area.
one of SAMHSA’s key missions. www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov. n
Their family members and friends, first
responders, and rescue and recovery
workers are also at risk of experiencing
distressing reactions. Selected Disaster Response Resources
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline can
• www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
provide immediate assistance to anyone
who needs help after a disaster. Available • SAMHSA’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center: www.samhsa.gov/dtac
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from
• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1–800–985–5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
anywhere in the United States, the free
helpline offers confidential, multilingual • SAMHSA’s Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (www.samhsa.gov/dtac/
counseling by trained professionals as well dbhis/default.asp). Aimed at disaster survivors and responders, this series offers
as referrals and other support services. annotated bibliographies and links to information about specific disasters.
To access the toll-free helpline, call • SAMHSA’s Disaster Kit (www.store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-Disaster-Kit/
1–800–985–5990 or text TalkWithUs to SMA11-DISASTER). Designed to promote awareness of disaster-related behavioral
66746. The TTY for callers who are deaf health needs, this toolkit helps recovery workers respond effectively to survivors of
or hearing impaired is 1–800–846–8517. disasters and cope with their own stress.
“With community and family support, • Tips for Talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents
most of us bounce back after a disaster,” and Educators (www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/media/796/tips_talking_to_
said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. children_after_disaster.pdf). This tip sheet outlines warning signs and tips for helping
Hyde, J.D. “But some may need extra parents and children cope with the effects of traumatic events.
assistance to cope with unfolding events
For more disaster-related publications, visit the SAMHSA store at
and uncertainties.”
www.store.samhsa.gov.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is
the nation’s first permanent hotline
8 I SAMHSA News I FALL 2012
Behavioral Health Benefits: New Access and Challenges
B
eginning on January 1, 2014, the Signing up for insurance coverage will
estimated 11 million uninsured also be much easier than before. The Health Reform Terms
people with mental and substance use law requires states to develop newly
disorders will have access to health streamlined enrollment materials that will
insurance coverage for the treatment they allow applicants to fill out a single form
Essential Health Benefits:
need to function successfully in their that will be evaluated for eligibility for
A set of health care service categories
communities. Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance
that must be covered by certain plans
Program, or low-income assistance with
The Affordable Care Act requires, for starting in 2014. These include doctor
premium costs for commercial plans. New
the first time, that insurance plans sold office visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations,
Medicaid rules set one national income
and mental and substance use disorder
through Health Insurance Exchanges
eligibility level at 133 percent of the federal benefits, among others. Insurance policies
cover mental health and substance use
poverty level. Prior to this, states could must cover these benefits to be certified
treatment. Prior to the Affordable Care
establish their own income eligibility and offered through the Exchanges, and
Act, commercial insurance plans, both
levels, leading to significant variation all Medicaid state plans must also cover
individual and employer-based, did
across the country in coverage. these benefits by 2014.
not have to cover these vital services.
According to the law, however, the U.S. In preparing for 2014, SAMHSA has been Health Insurance Exchanges:
Department of Health and Human working closely with states and consumer An Exchange is a new, open, and
Services (HHS) Secretary must issue organizations to help ensure that the competitive marketplace where
an “essential benefits package” that all “qualified health plans” to be sold through individuals, including those who don’t have
coverage or who can’t afford coverage
insurance plans sold through the the Exchanges include a range of benefits
through their employer, and small
Exchange must cover. (See box on that will meet the needs of people living
businesses can buy affordable health
Health Reform Terms.) with mental and substance use disorders.
plans.
The challenge now is to reach out to SAMHSA has posted resources and
individuals who will benefit from toolkits on its web site for states, For more health reform
the law—as well as groups who work local governments, and community term definitions, visit
with them—to raise awareness of the organizations to use as they prepare www.samhsa.gov/healthreform.
new benefits to which they may be to establish Exchanges and expand
www.samhsa.gov/healthreform/docs/
entitled. The law not only opens up new their Medicaid programs. For more
ConsumerTipSheet_CommonTerms_
coverage, but prohibits insurance plans information see the Health Reform
HealthReform_508.pdf
from refusing to cover someone whose Resources box below or visit
conditions are preexisting. www.samhsa.gov/healthreform/. n
Health Reform Resources
Webinar Series: Together with the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors and the National Association of State Mental Health
Program Directors, SAMHSA developed a series of four Webinars for state policymakers on the essential health benefits (EHB) selection process and the
application of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
Topics Include: Key Fact Sheets:
1. Introduction to the EHB • Importance of Primary and Behavioral Health Care
2. Understanding and evaluating benchmark options in your state • Health Disparities and the Affordable Care Act
3. How to apply MHPAEA to the EHB • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity
4. Gaps between recommendations by the Coalition for Whole Health and your
state’s EHB plans.
Over 70 health care reform Webinar recordings and fact sheets covering a variety of health reform topics are available at
www.samhsa.gov/healthreform.
www.samhsa.gov/samhsaNewsletter I 9
Tobacco Sales to Youth Lowest Ever Reported
to how preventing underage youth from
gaining illegal access to tobacco products
can have a tremendous impact.”
Tobacco accounts for nearly 443,000 deaths
each year and is the leading cause of death
and disease in the United States. Among
adults who have ever smoked daily, 88
percent report that they first smoked by
age 18. To alleviate youth tobacco use, the
Synar program calls on states to strictly
enforce tobacco laws; conduct random,
unannounced inspections of over-the-
counter tobacco outlets; and produce
reports on steps taken to carry out the law.
SAMHSA provides technical assistance
to states to help them meet these
requirements. Any states that do not
comply are subject to a 40 percent penalty
of their Substance Abuse Prevention and
The United States continues to gain “The success of the Synar Treatment Block Grant funding.
ground in its battle against tobacco SAMHSA’s involvement is inspired by
program is a testament to how
sales to youth under age 18, as a new the importance of prevention. Stopping
report shows the average national retailer tobacco use before it starts, particularly
preventing underage youth
violation rate has reached an all-time among youth, is critical to preventing
low. According to the latest findings from from gaining illegal access to future use of tobacco. Tobacco use is also
the Synar Amendment Program, which associated with misuse of alcohol and other
collects state-by-state data on the rate of tobacco products can have a illicit drugs. Statistics indicate that 52.9
illegal tobacco sales to youth, just percent of youth age 12 to 17 who smoked
8.5 percent of retailers illegally sold tremendous impact.” cigarettes in the past month have used an
tobacco to youth in Fiscal Year 2011 (FY illicit drug, compared with 6.2 percent of
2011), compared with 40.1 percent of —Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. youth who did not smoke cigarettes.
retailers in FY 1997, the first year data
The significant progress made in
were collected. According to the latest report, all states
decreasing tobacco sales to youth is
and the District of Columbia were
The program, managed by SAMHSA, representative of both a change in the
found to be compliant with the Synar
was introduced by the late Congressman selling pattern of retailers as well as
requirements for the sixth year in Synar
Mike Synar of Oklahoma and enacted improved enforcement of laws and
history. Furthermore, a total of 34 states
as Section 1926 of the Alcohol, Drug regulations. SAMHSA recommends that
reported a retailer violation rate below 10
Abuse, and Mental Health Administration states adopt comprehensive plans that
percent, while 12 states reported a rate
Reorganization Act. The Synar have multiple components, including
below 5 percent—a sign that the Synar
Amendment requires states, the District enforcement, education, and collaborations.
program is contributing significantly to
of Columbia, and U.S. territories to Further information and a list of recent
prevention efforts.
enact and enforce laws prohibiting the accomplishments can be found on the
sale or distribution of tobacco products “Smoking is the nation’s leading cause of Synar fact sheet web site at www.samhsa.
to individuals under age 18. It also preventable death. We must pursue every gov/prevention/synarFactsheet.aspx.
requires these entities to conduct random, opportunity to prevent the kids and young The Synar annual report, which outlines
unannounced inspections of tobacco adults of today from becoming lifelong the most recent findings in detail, can
outlets and report these annual findings adult smokers of tomorrow,” said SAMHSA be found at http://www.samhsa.gov/
to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “The prevention/2011-Annual-Synar-Report.
Health and Human Services. success of the Synar program is a testament pdf. n
10 I SAMHSA News I FALL 2012