November 16, 2023

HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data


On Monday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), released the results of the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The report shows how people living in the United States reported about their experience with mental health, substance use, and treatment related behaviors in 2022. The NSDUH report provides nationally representative data on the self-reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs; substance use disorders; mental health conditions; suicidal thoughts and behaviors; and substance use and mental health treatment among the civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 12 or older in the United States. Read more here.


Related: Opioid Rx Down, but Overdoses and Deaths Up, AMA Report Shows

‘A Monster’: Super Meth and Other Drugs Push Crisis Beyond Opioids


Dr. Nic Helmstetter crab-walked down a steep, rain-slicked trail into a grove of maple and cottonwood trees to his destination: a dozen tents in a clearing by the Kalamazoo River, surrounded by the detritus of lives perpetually on the move. Discarded red plastic cups. A wet sock flung over a bush. A carpet square. And scattered across the forest floor: orange vial caps and used syringes. Kalamazoo, a small city in Western Michigan, is a way station along the drug trafficking corridor between Chicago and Detroit. In its parks, under railroad overpasses and here in the woods, people ensnared by drugs scramble to survive. Dr. Helmstetter, who makes weekly primary care rounds with a program called Street Medicine Kalamazoo, carried medications to reverse overdoses, blunt cravings and ease withdrawal-induced nausea. But increasingly, the utility of these therapies, developed to address the decades-old opioid crisis, is diminishing. 

Read more here.


Related: ASAM and AAAP Announce New Clinical Practice Guideline to Address Rising Stimulant Use Disorders

Children in Mental-Health Crisis Surge Into Hospital E.R.s


Dr. Christopher Lucas shuttled from room to room, checking on the children with mental-health troubles who had streamed into his emergency department over the past 12 hours because they had nowhere else to go. There were eight of them that September day at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. In one room, staff tended to a 17-year-old girl with chronic depression who had attempted suicide by overdosing on ibuprofen—her fourth trip to the E.R. for mental-health reasons in two years. Nearby was a 14-year-old girl who had started cutting herself after being bullied over social media. The youngest new patient was a 5-year-old boy with behavioral disorders. His mother had tried to get him into outpatient therapy, but there was a long wait list. A physician assistant at a different emergency department had prescribed him five medications in the meantime, said Lucas, the hospital’s vice chair of psychiatry. After the boy tried to stab his mom and said he wanted to kill himself, she’d brought him to the E.R. at Upstate. Read more here.

New York State DOH and Office for the Aging Hold Listening Session In Johnson City to Outline the Master Plan for Aging and Receive Public Input


The New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continued their series of community engagement sessions on the State's Master Plan for Aging (MPA), with a listening session last week in Johnson City. During the session, which took place at the Johnson City Senior Center, attendees heard details about the MPA and were offered an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments about the proposal. "These public input sessions are absolutely critical to the process of creating a Master Plan for Aging that helps us identify challenges and collaborate on solutions that address issues all New Yorkers encounter across their lifetime," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. Read more here.


Related: National Family Caregivers Month: NYSOFA announces new offerings for family caregivers using free state online support portal

Top Payer Concerns, Opportunities Around Generative AI Integration


Generative AI may become a fixture of the health insurance landscape, seamlessly integrated into common payer processes, reducing timelines from hours or days to minutes. But for now, the tool’s future is fraught with challenges. Care delivery transformation, clinical productivity measures, administrative simplification, and technology enablement could result in between $1 and 1.5 trillion in improvement potential by 2027, according to McKinsey & Company. Artificial intelligence—specifically, generative AI—could speed the system’s progress toward that goal. Read more here.

Autism ‘One-Stop Shops’ Would Improve Care for Patients (But Can’t Cover Everything)


Many health services are designed for neurotypical people, which can make it difficult for people with autism and other neurodiverse conditions to access services, such as primary and dental care. But more autism providers are looking to tackle this issue by integrating specialized medical care under their roofs. Creating a “one-stop shop” for autism treatment, including medical services for co-occurring conditions, could improve access to care and make for smoother experiences for patients as well as clinicians. However, some specialties may always need to be referred out. Read more here.

Homelessness Is Preventable. Ending It and Saving Lives Is a Policy Choice.


Homelessness is a deadly — but preventable — public health crisis. People with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk of homelessness, and on average, people with no home die decades earlier than those who are housed. The condition of homelessness itself is constant suffering from hunger, extreme weather and treatable illness. Every day in the United States, roughly 2,500 Americans escape homelessness and move into homes where they can rebuild their lives. But for every person who exits homelessness, another enters the traumatic experience that impacts well over 1 million people in the United States each year. Until we close this revolving door and prevent people from losing their homes in the first place, we cannot end homelessness. Read more here.

EHR Data Sharing Shows Promise for Public Health Monitoring of Drug Use


EHR data sharing can support near-real-time information access on drug use-related healthcare use to guide clinical and public health responses, according to a study published in Health Affairs. Researchers leveraged the Minnesota EHR Consortium, a data sharing collaboration across health systems in Minnesota. The study used hospital and emergency department (ED) visit data from May 2012 to June 2023. Based on monthly data from six health systems, the researchers found that hospital and ED visits involving methamphetamine had the most significant increase over time (302 percent), and opioid-related visits increased across the countywide sample, consistent with patterns at the national level. Read more here.

Helping Older Adults Age Well in Rural America


Many rural older adults have lived their whole lives in the same small towns, some in the same homes. Others are more recent arrivals, including the aging parents of immigrants who’ve come to work in agriculture, energy, or other industries. Like older adults across the country, rural seniors tend to want to age in their communities, amid familiar people and places. But with fewer health care providers, fewer professional caregivers, and fewer young people than in urban areas, rural communities struggle to care for aging residents. “It’s the number-one challenge rural communities are facing,” says David Trost, CEO of a senior housing services provider in Billings, Montana. “The folks who are staying are old. And the folks who are leaving are young, and so there’s fewer people to serve the old.” Read more here.

It’s Getting Harder to Find Long-Term Residential Behavioral Health Treatment for Kids


Connie MacDonald works for the State Department at the U.S. consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It’s a dream job, and she loved living abroad with her two sons. But earlier this year, MacDonald said, her 8-year-old son started to become aggressive. At first the family thought it was ADHD. Her son was indeed eventually diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — as well as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, which makes it difficult for her son to control his emotions, particularly anger. The American International School of Jeddah told her that her son couldn’t come back. His behavior was so severe that MacDonald started to look for residential treatment back in the U.S. Read more here.

ALBANY: County Executive McCoy, County Legislature and Comptroller Rizzo Officially Launch ARPA Community Development Funding Application


ALLEGANY: Allegany County takes in over 90 pounds of medication at National Take Back Day


CAPITAL REGION: Save the Date: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day for Veterans and First Responders - November 18


CHAUTAUQUA: SUNY Fredonia launches ‘in-demand’ master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling program


DUTCHESS: Molinaro proposes friendly calls to seniors program and more


ERIE: Governor Hochul Announces Completion of 65-Unit Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in East Buffalo


ESSEX: NY housing organization seeks solutions to rural housing issues


MADISON: Madison County Mental Health Task Force Committed to the Community


MONROE: Outreach program 'Richard's House' works to support homeless veterans


MONROE: New Legal Advocacy Model Aims to Better Support Rochester-Area Parents in New York Family Court 


MONROE: Amid mental health crises, Rochester organization shares need for social workers


MONROE: New York hospital fined $925,000 for not reopening psych beds


NORTH COUNTRY: How telehealth is bringing specialist care to the North Country


NYC: NYC Mobile Medication Unit ready to roll out, dole out opioid medication


NYC: Mayor Adams, DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan Launch 'TeenSpace,' Tele-mental Health Service For NYC Teens


NYC: Northwell Health Plans Child and Adolescent Mental Health Pavilion In New York


ONEIDA: Oneida County Sheriff’s Office unveils its newest and ‘cutest’ member to help victims of crime


ORANGE: As overdose deaths rise, local community looks to expand prevention initiatives


ST. LAWRENCE: SLH Pays Tribute to EMS and Rural Health


UPSTATE NY: Rep. Molinaro Announces Over $1.5 Million in Federal Funding to Address Law Enforcement Shortage in Upstate New York

Exploring Value-Based Payment for Substance Use Disorder Services in the United States


This new report from SAMHSA explores the use of Value-Based Payment (VBP) model and the potential to improve delivery of integrated and coordinated substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services.


Related: More Provider Orgs Have Value-Based Contracts With Private Payers

SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center Invites Communities to Apply for Crisis Intercept Mapping Workshops


Application due date: December 7, 2023


SAMHSA and its Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center (SMVF TA Center) are currently soliciting applications from communities interested in Crisis Intercept Mapping (CIM) Workshops. CIM Workshops are designed to bring together interagency teams from counties, cities, or other local jurisdictions to:

  • Assess local crisis care systems to improve coordination and services
  • Strengthening collaboration through military, Veteran, and civilian community partners
  • Apply evidence-based and best practices in SMVF suicide prevention
  • Develop a tailored Crisis Intercept Map for your community with a corresponding action plan to improve crisis care services.


Read more here.

New York Council on Problem Gambling Launches New Program


The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is pleased to announce the launch of a new program. The Voluntary Self Exclusion (VSE) Support Program aims to provide support to anyone interested in excluding themselves from gambling activities in New York State such as horse racing, casinos, and mobile sports gambling. VSE can be a helpful tool for someone experiencing problems due to their gambling behaviors. As part of this new program, NYCPG will offer connection to an expert in the problem gambling field, assistance with the NYS VSE form and self-exclusion process, electronic notary services for the mail-in VSE form, and additional information and support for problem gambling services such as counseling, peer support, and recovery services. There is no fee for any of these services and they are confidential. These services may be beneficial to your clients. For more information on this program, you can reach out to VSESupport@NYCPG.org or 518-903-0217.

Overdose prevention sites not associated with increase in crime, according to study


AI in the Mental Health Field


When a Child Is Shot, Trauma Ripples Through Families, Study Finds


Healing the 'Invisible Ache' behind the suicide crisis among Black men and boys


Uber Will Now Help Mississippians Get to Their Health Appointments


NIMH: Saving Lives Through the Science of Suicide Prevention


Rural Vermont Community Finds Success Distributing Narcan With a Vending Machine


Mississippi Jailed More Than 800 People Awaiting Psychiatric Treatment in a Year. Just One Jail Meets State Standards.

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS


11/8 Webinar Recording: Rural Definitions and Data: Changes after the 2020 Census

Rural Health Information Hub in partnership with the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy


The Health Care Workforce Under Pressure: Strikes, Shortages, and Staffing Requirements

November 16, 12 - 1 pm, KFF


Honoring Native American Cultures in Integrated Health

November 16, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing


National Trends in State Spending for Children and Youth

November 16, 2 - 3 pm, National Conference of State Legislatures


Peers and Clinicians Together (PACT)

November 16, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, NTTAC


Broadening Your Scope of Care - A Focus on Prevention Series, Part 2: Cannabis Policy and Prevention in the Era of Commercial Cannabis

November 17, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC


Transgender Day of Remembrance - Virtual

November 19, 2 pm, Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance


HR Staff and Employers: Part Time or Full Time? Hiring Peers Receiving Social Security Benefits

November 21, 11 am - 12 pm, PeerTAC


Gambling Disorder among US Military Veterans: Clinical Considerations

November 27, 12 - 1 pm, NYCPG


Striving and Thriving among Certified Peer Specialists

November 27, 1 - 2 pm, SAMHSA


Utilizing Incentives and Sanctions to Support Successful Outcomes in Treatment Court

November 27, 1:30 - 3 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center


Complex Case Discharge Delay Learning Series: Considerations for Information Sharing During Discharge

November 30, 2 - 3 pm, HANYS


The Youth Mental Health Crisis and Opportunities for Integrated Care

November 30, 2 - 3:30 pm,


Navigating PSYCKES Recipient Search for Population Health

November 30, 3 - 4 pm, OMH


Peer Recovery Support Series, Part 10: The ABCs of Problem Solving for Peer Specialists

November 30, 3 - 4 pm, NAADAC


Helping Children & Adolescents with Emotional Problems - A Q&A with Daniel S. Pine, MD

November 30, 7 - 8 pm, BBRF


Improving Substance Misuse Prevention Outcomes through Data-Informed Decision Making

December 1, 12 - 1:30 pm, NAADAC


Recovery Ready Workplace New York Symposium

December 4 - 5, Crowne Plaza, Albany, FOR-NY


Mitigating Crisis with Presence: Developing Mobile Crisis Response to 988 Calls

December 4, 2:30 - 4 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center


The Poison Center's Role in Suicide Prevention: Seasonality and Suicide Risk

December 13, 10 - 11 am, OMH, Upstate NY Poison Center, NYSSPC


American Tragedy: Dopesick Author Beth Macy on the Opioid Crisis, Overdose Deaths and What's Next

December 13, 2 - 3 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing


Promoting Equity through Police-Mental Health Collaborations (PMHCs): A Community Workshop

December 14, 1:30 - 3 pm, CSG Justice Center


Community Connections: Working with Justice-involved Individuals

December 20, 12 - 1 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

GRANTS/FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES


HRSA Health Workforce


NYS Grants Gateway


NY Health Foundation


OASAS Procurements


OMH Procurements


OPWDD Procurements


Rural Health Information Hub - New York


SAMHSA Grants Dashboard

CLMHD CALENDAR


NOVEMBER


Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting

November 16: 1 - 3 pm


Children & Families Committee Meeting

November 21: 11:30 am - 1 pm


CLMHD Office Closed - Thanksgiving

November 23 - 24


Deputy DCS Call

November 28: 10 - 11 am


DECEMBER


CLMHD Executive Committee Meeting

December 6: 8 - 9 am


LGU Clinic Operators Call

December 12: 10 - 11:30 am


Addiction Services & Supports (ASR) Committee Meeting

December 14: 11 am - 12 pm


Mental Health Committee Meeting

December 14: 3 - 4 pm


Children & Families Committee Meeting

December 19: 11:30 am - 1 pm


Membership Call

December 20: 9 - 10:30 am


Mental Hygiene Planning Committee Meeting

December 21: 1 - 3 pm


CLMHD Office Closed - Christmas

December 25


Deputy DCS Call

December 26: 10 - 11 am

Links to State Guidance and Updates on COVID-19


NYS Coronavirus Vaccination Information

The Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors advances public policies and awareness for people with mental illness, chemical dependency and developmental disabilities. We are a statewide membership organization that consists of the Commissioner/ Director of each of the state's 57 county mental hygiene departments and the mental hygiene department of the City of New York.

Affiliated with the NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC)
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