STATE AND FEDERAL

NASMHPD’s Dr. Brian Sims Receives Elijah Cummings Award 

Dr. Brian Sims, Senior Medical Advisor at NASMHPD, received the Elijah Cummings Award to recognize his outstanding contributions in providing his community with thoughtful and timely updates and resources regarding COVID-19. NASMHPD congratulates Dr. Brian Sims and is grateful to benefit from his experience, grace, and commitment to his community and the country. Learn more. (Dr. Sims award is at the 24:20 mark)

Massachusetts Senate Passes Mental Health Parity Bill

The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a sweeping mental health reform bill last Thursday that takes a large step forward in ensuring that insurance coverage for mental health benefits are equal to and no more restrictive than coverage for physical health benefits, and, perhaps most importantly, helps eliminate the stigma of seeking treatment for behavioral health services. Read more.  

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs launches Recovery Rising initiative

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Opioid Response Network (ORN), launched a new initiative called Recovery Rising. Learn more. 

SAMHSA Creates New African American Behavioral Health Center 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has established the new African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellent to address the need for greater equity in behavioral health services for African Americans in the US. The Center will work to transform behavioral health systems, interventions, education and more. Learn more.  

SAMHSA Releases Advisory on Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a new advisory regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Read more. 

CDC launches 2021 Tips from Former Smokers campaign

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the launch of their 2021 Tips From Former Smokers campaign, which is now entering its 10^th year. Read more. 

House of Representatives passes, and President Biden signs, American Rescue Plan

The House of Representatives passed—with a vote of 220-211—the American Rescue Plan, their latest COVID-19 relief package that aligns with President Biden’s $1.9 trillion proposal released in January. Read more.  

RESEARCH

Cardiovascular Problems May Worsen Cognition in People With Schizophrenia

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, or hypertension, are significantly associated with cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia, according to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry. Read more. 

NIDA Study Finds Increases in Methamphetamine and Marijuana Seizures During Pandemic

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) announced the release of a new study regarding increases in law enforcement seizures of methamphetamine and marijuana during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

AHRQ Completes Systematic Reviews Related to the Treatment of Chronic and Acute ain

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) recently released five systematic reviews related to the treatment of chronic and acute pain. The five systemic reviews include Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatments for Chronic Pain, Nonopioid Pharmacologic Treatments for Chronic Pain, Opioid Treatments for Chronic Pain, Treatments for Acute Pain, and Acute Treatments for Episodic Migraines.

Excessive Screen Time in Childhood Linked to Binge-Eating Disorder

Children who spend more time looking at screens, including while watching television and engaging with social media, may be at risk of developing binge-eating disorder one year later, according to a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. Read more.  

Study Highlights Rising Number of Older U.S. Men Dying by Suicide

Suicide rates among men aged 65 years and older in the United States have been steadily rising since 2007, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The report revealed that men who are White, aged 85 years or older, and living in rural areas may be at greatest risk. Read more.  

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

UPCOMING
WEBINARS

Mar 23: National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC) Listening Session

Mar 24: GAINS Center Webinar on Innovations to Support Drug Court Programs during COVID-19

Mar 25: SAMHSA Virtual Learning Community on Early Diversion

May 6: 4th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium

FUNDING

Mar 30: FY 2021 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative

Apr 27: Medication Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction

HELPFUL RESOURCES