SAMHSA has a long history in responding to disaster-related mental health and substance abuse issues as well as in providing assistance at the community level in the wake of emergencies. Just weeks after the terrorist events of September 11 -- SAMHSA convened a national summit in New York City to examine the needs of communities, and to ensure readiness for the ongoing war on terrorism. SAMHSA also responded quickly to the need for information and resources for deployed personnel and victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. SAMHSA continues to support these emergency planning efforts with grants, training, and technical assistance.
Center for Mental Health Services
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Office of Applied Studies
The Challenge
In 2005, over 22 million Americans, aged 12 or older, were classified with substance abuse or dependence; nearly 25 million adults, aged 18 or older, were living with a serious mental condition, according to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The economic costs of undiagnosed and untreated mental and substance use disorders are staggering.
The human costs -- measured in lost jobs, lost families and lost lives—are incalculable. Yet, mental and substance use disorders are treatable illnesses from which people can and do recover. The toll of substance abuse and mental illnesses can be dramatically reduced by prevention and early intervention with state-of-the-art, research based services and supports. SAMHSA is bringing this knowledge to communities across the Nation to ensure that people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders have the opportunity for recovery and a fulfilling life in the community.
Building resilience... Facilitating recovery... A life in the community for everyone
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has established a clear vision for its work -- a life in the community for everyone. To realize this vision, the Agency has sharply focused its mission on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders. SAMHSA is gearing all of its resources -- programs, policies and grants -- toward that outcome.
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