Six States ( Montana, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, and Kansas) Recognized for Multiple State Agency Coordination In Care for the Disabled – $11.7 million five-year Federal grant to Montana to help prevent substance abuse and promote mental

Aug 10, 2005 By News Staff
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently selected six states to participate in a policy academy that will assist governors and their policy advisors improve the lives of young adults with disabilities.

Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Montana and Washington were chosen for their commitment to coordinating multiple state agencies to improve services and care for persons with disabilities. To address the comprehensive needs of this growing population, the HHS Office on Disability will work with the NGA Center and these states to address state systems integration and service coordination to successfully transition young adults with disabilities into independence.

Full Story: http://www.govtech.net/news/news.php?id=96222

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$11.7 Million Substance Abuse Prevention Grant Awarded to Montana By SAMHSA

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Administrator Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W., today announced an $11.7 million five-year Federal grant to Montana to help prevent substance abuse and promote mental health. Montana, one of five states receiving a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grants this year, will receive $2.33 million per year for each of the five years.

The funds will be used in communities across Montana to implement a five- step process known to promote youth development, reduce risk-taking behaviors, build on assets, and prevent problem behaviors. The five steps are: (1) conduct needs assessments; (2) build state and local capacity; (3) develop a comprehensive strategic plan; (4) implement evidence-based prevention policies, programs and practices; and (5) monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, sustaining what has worked well.

"The Strategic Prevention Framework grant empowers states, communities and individuals to bring together multiple funding streams, service systems, and programs to promote a collective responsibility around prevention," SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie said. "Whether we are speaking about abstinence or rejecting drugs, tobacco, and alcohol; advancing exercise and a healthy diet; preventing suicide; or supporting mental health, we are working toward the same objective — reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors."

Full Story: http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=204962&source=r_health