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Governor Cuomo Outlines Bold Agenda in His
2013 State of the State Address
 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivered his 2013 State of the State Address on January 9 outlining a comprehensive agenda that builds on the progress of the past two years to attract good jobs and economic growth, create a world-class education system that prepares the next generation for the future, maintain fiscal integrity and discipline, and continue to restore New York as the progressive capital of the nation.
Governor Cuomo stated,
The agenda laid out is a comprehensive plan for New York State to rise to meet the challenges of today and the future, from confronting the difficult issue of gun control, to reforming our education system for the 21st century, and rebuilding our communities and infrastructure after Hurricane Sandy. Our accomplishments over the past two years show us that one thing is clear: We can defy the odds and deny the naysayers, and we can accomplish anything together.
For more information about the initiatives outlined in Governor Cuomo's State of the State message, visit www.NYGetInvolved.com or refer to the NY Rising document. |
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Governor Cuomo Outlines 2013-2014 Executive Budget to Maintain Fiscal Responsibility and Continue to Invest in Economic Growth
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On January 22, 2013, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14 Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.
To learn more about the highlights of the budget, please see the press release posted on the Governor's website. |
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Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez Announces Two Three-Year Grant Awards to Expand Adolescent Services in New York State
Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) is pleased to announce that the agency has selected two outpatient treatment providers to receive a three-year grant funded by the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to serve adolescents and their families who have a substance abuse disorder or co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.
According to SAMHSA's 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and
Health, one in ten youths aged 12 to 17 uses illicit drugs, with 7% experiencing substance dependence or abuse. Despite the prevalence of adolescent drug use, it is estimated that fewer than 10% of the nation's 1.7 million youths who needed treatment for substance abuse received treatment at an appropriate facility, pointing to the lack of effective outreach and engagement strategies that target adolescents.
"The unique needs of young people are often overlooked by mainstream treatment providers," said Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez. "We need to improve access to treatment for adolescents and the quality of that treatment by expanding the use of nationally recognized evidence- based programs."
To read the full release, please visit the OASAS website |
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Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez Announces a Competitive Solicitation for the Addition of 50 Residential Beds in Western
New York and Long Island
Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez, of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), announced that the agency is releasing a request for proposal to increase the number of residential beds serving young adults battling prescription drug misuse and opiate addiction.
Prescription drug abuse is pervasive throughout the country and in New York State. According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1 in 22 (4.6%) persons over the age of 12 reported using pain relievers non-medically in the past year.
"Prescription drug misuse is a serious public health concern, especially for our young people," said Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez. "When the supply of prescription opioids dries up younger addicts frequently graduate to heroin or other illegal drugs," the Commissioner added.
To read the full release, visit the OASAS website. |
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SAGE Commission Releases Final Report to Modernize
and Rightsize State Government
On February 12, 2013, Lieutenant Governor Duffy and administration officials announced the release of the final report of the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission on reorganizing state government.
The SAGE Commission, with Lieutenant Governor Duffy as its chair, was created to undertake a comprehensive review of New York State government and identify structural and operational changes that would help to make it more modern, accountable, and efficient. The final report is organized into three parts:
- Reorganizing State Government
- Reducing Costs and Improving Service
- Building a Culture of Performance and Accountability
As part of its reorganization work, the Commission considered the consolidation of agencies and authorities. Mergers and consolidations involving a total of 14 agencies and authorities have been completed or proposed in the 2013-14 Executive Budget.
The full report can be accessed at this link.
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Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez Delivers Governor's State of the State Message in Queens County and Orange County
On behalf of Governor Cuomo, OASAS  Commissioner
Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez and other cabinet members visited communities across the State during the first few weeks of January to deliver Regional State of the State messages. Commissioner Sanchez visited the Flushing Library in Flushing, New York on January 10 and the Mental Health Association in Orange County, New York on January 15.
In keeping with the Governor's agenda, the Commissioner spoke about issues that included women's rights, education, public safety and health care.
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2013 Commissioner's Service Awards Nominations Announced
Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez is seeking to recognize individuals who have displayed an extraordinary commitment to the addiction field. OASAS is currently seeking nominations for Service Awards in three categories: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. Please submit all nominations to the OASAS Office of Government Affairs by April 8, 2013. Awards will be presented at the ASAP Conference in Buffalo this May. |
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OASAS Executive Deputy Commissioner Testifies at the NYS Joint Budget Hearing on Mental Hygiene
On February 27, OASAS Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean M. Byrne testified on behalf of Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez at the New York State Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities in Albany.
During his testimony, Executive Deputy Commissioner Byrne stated, "Addiction is a medical condition, and it has been this country's most durable, intractable, and misunderstood public health problem for the last 50 years. Our goal at OASAS is to lead the nation in the prevention of, treatment for, and recovery from addiction disorders."
He also confirmed that Governor Cuomo's Budget proposal gives OASAS the flexibility to move forward on Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez's key priorities:
- Helping adolescents and young adults, who are often overlooked by mainstream treatment providers;
- Fighting prescription drug misuse;
- Promoting the availability of housing for individuals and families struggling with substance-abuse-related issues;
- Assisting veterans; and
- Expanding the screening that allows early intervention for those whose substance use is harmful, but not yet at the level of addiction.
The webcast of Executive Deputy Commissioner Byrne's presentation can be viewed on the New York State Assembly website. |
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NYS Gaming Commission, OASAS & NY Council on Problem Gambling Form Responsible Play Partnership to Address Problem Gambling Issues
The New York State Gaming Commission, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the New York Council on Problem Gambling recently announced the formation of the Responsible Play Partnership to address problem gambling in New York State.
The Responsible Play Partnership will take on a variety of issues surrounding problem gambling, including ensuring that gaming venues comply with all rules and regulations and undertake proper outreach measures, reevaluating self-exclusion policies across the state to ensure consistency, and considering the best ways to advance New York's long-term commitment to prevent and treat compulsive gambling.
To read the full press release, visit the OASAS website.
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The Coalition for Community Services Holds Legislative
Reception in Albany
The Coalition for Community Services, a network of chemical dependency treatment programs, held its annual legislative reception on
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(L-R) Luke Nasta, Executive Director of Camelot & Public Policy Officer for the Coalition, OASAS Commissioner Sanchez and Seep Varma, NYTC Stay'n Out Programs and Chair of the Coalition |
March 5, 2013. The reception included remarks from the families and clients of the YMCA Counseling Service, Serendipity, Camelot, Dynamic Youth, JCAP, Credo, and Reality House. Numerous elected officials were also in attendance, including Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Republican Leader and Coalition Co-Leader Dean Skelos, Independent Democratic Conference Leader and Senate Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein, Senator and Chair of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee Phil Boyle, and Assemblyman and Chair of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee Steven Cymbrowitz, among others.
OASAS Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez also addressed the group of nearly 250 treatment providers, family members and program participants. She thanked the Coalition for putting together such an inspiring event. She said, "At OASAS, we respect the work of our providers tremendously. Your diverse approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery--and your deep understanding of the individual communities you serve--are essential to our mission at OASAS of helping every New Yorker struggling with an addiction." The Commissioner also acknowledged some of the important issues that the coalition was working on, such as prescription drug misuse, Recovery Coach training, and the Justice Center implementations. |
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FOR-NY Holds Annual Advocacy Day in Albany
On Tuesday February 5, 2013, Friends of Recovery New York (FOR-NY) held its Annual Advocacy Day at the Emmanuel Baptist Church  in Albany. FOR-NY is a not-for-profit dedicated to addiction recovery advocacy. Speakers at the event included OASAS Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez; Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, Chairman of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; John Coppola, Executive Director of ASAPNYS; and Assemblyman Joseph Saladino. An 'open mic' session allowed individual attendees to share their recovery stories, and Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez asked everyone to visit OASAS' Your Story Matters website, www.iamrecovery.com, and to consider sumitting their own recovery stories to inspire others.
Overall, the event highlighted the benefits of recovery for society and provided an opportunity for recovery community members to advocate for professional care and resources to help those in recovery move towards healthy and fulfilling lives. The importance of prevention resources, effective quality treatment, and recovery supports such as recovery coaching were emphasized. Both speakers and participants recognized that with quality, evidence-based resources, people can and do recover -- and recovery benefits everyone! |
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Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez Observes Uplifting Recovery Program At Exponents in NYC
Visiting addictions services provider Exponents, OASAS Commissioner Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez and OASAS Special Assistant Ramon
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From Left: Ramon Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the Commissioner; Sam Rivera, Exponents Vice President; OASAS Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez; Howard Josepher, Exponents President; Samantha Lopez-Fernandez, Exponents Chief Administrative Officer. |
Rodriguez observed part of Exponents' flagship ARRIVE
program. This two-month program offers life skills, training, and support services for those combating addiction, as well as HIV and other chronic illnesses, poverty, and homelessness.
The Commissioner was interested to see that before editorial instruction begins, every session of the program opens with dancing to shake loose all tension and meditation to help the participants focus. The ARRIVE Program has an unusually high graduation rate and has been successfully completed by 10,000 men and women since its inception 25 years ago.
At Exponents' Recovery & Wellness Center--Manhattan's only recovery center--the Commissioner also spoke to another group engaged in a panel discussion on workforce development and observed CASAC classes, GED preparation, a computer lab, and Recovery Coaching trainings. |
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Open Letter from Commissioner Gonz�lez-S�nchez on
the Passing of Barbara Bartell
Barbara Dakin Bartell Steiner, Chief Executive Officer of Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, one of Long Island's  leaders in the behavioral health field, passed away on February 15, 2013 due to complications related to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was 77.
February 20, 2013
To the family and friends of Barbara Bartell:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Barbara's death. I had the great privilege of working closely with Barbara for a number of years, both as Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services and as Commissioner of OASAS.
She was a true pioneer, building Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services from a small out-patient clinic into a powerful organization that offered a lifeline to many, many people. She knew the behavioral health field as well as anyone could, and I greatly benefited from her insights. She also was absolutely unique as a local leader, not merely an advocate for people struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency, but also widely acknowledged to be one of Long Island's most progressive businesswomen. She has left a true legacy.
I feel particularly blessed that I got the opportunity to know Barbara very well as a friend as well as a colleague. Whenever I saw Barbara, her energy, warmth, and tremendous sense of humor always lit up my day. I will miss her very much.
I know she will be missed a great deal by everyone who knew her. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Arlene Gonz�lez-S�nchez
Commissioner
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O-STARS
For nearly six years, Bill Phillips served the New York State Office of Alcoholism  and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) as the Associate Commissioner for Outcome Management and System Information. In this role, Bill was responsible for important agency functions, including state and local planning, treatment data quality and analysis, outcomes management, epidemiology, evaluation, and research. As a key member of the OASAS Executive Team, he led efforts to integrate outcomes management principles into the operations of the agency and the addiction services system.
Bill championed the agency's metrics-based strategic mapping approach and was the driving force in implementing the OASAS Outcomes Dashboard. He led the implementation of the first publicly available scorecards for nearly 1,000 chemical dependence treatment programs across the state. The scorecards are posted on the OASAS website and accessible to the public. They include information on access, quality, outcomes, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and client demographics. The Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission's final report recognized the scorecards as a notable performance measurement initiative.
Bill was uniquely collaborative in improving access to and the quality of prevention, treatment, and recovery services for New Yorkers. Through his leadership of Gold Standard Outcomes Management Advisory Committee and the interagency local planning committee of the Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, he sought ideas and input from Local Governmental Units (LGUs) and provider representatives.
Bill's visionary leadership contributed significantly to groundbreaking innovations, process improvements, and efficiencies. He will be greatly missed by OASAS and the addictions field. Please join us in wishing Bill a happy retirement and all the best in his future endeavors.
The OASAS mission is to improve the lives of all New Yorkers by leading a premier system of addiction services through prevention, treatment and recovery. If you know an exceptional individual who works or volunteers in the field of addiction and consistently makes a difference in the lives of New Yorkers, we want to hear from you. To nominate a colleauge or yourself as an O-STAR, please e-mail no more than two to three short paragraphs about the nominee with a picture (.jpg format), along with your contact information to [email protected].
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OASAS Medical Corner
Dr. Steven Kipnis, OASAS Medical Director
The OASAS Medical Corner is an ongoing part of each edition of the Communicator newsletter. Addiction medicine is a dynamic and relatively new specialty, and this column is intended to provide timely information on new research, educational events, and regulations that can lead to better performance by the addiction field.
Sharp Rise in Admissions for Certain Drug Combinations
Over 10 Years
Substance abuse treatment admissions for addiction involving combined use of benzodiazepine and narcotic pain relievers rose a total of 569.7 percent, to 33,701, from 2000 to 2010, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Overall, substance abuse treatment admissions of people ages 12 and older in the same period rose 4 percent, to 1.82 million, the agency said.
The report showed that 38.7 percent of those with this combined addiction began use of both drugs in the same year; 34.1 percent first used narcotic pain relievers, and the remaining 27.1 percent started with benzodiazepines.
Almost half of patients admitted for combined use also had a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, were largely self-referred, and were less likely to receive regular outpatient treatment than other admissions.
The survey report, Admissions Reporting Benzodiazepine and Narcotic Pain Reliever Abuse at Treatment Entry, was based on findings from SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) for 2010. The information in TEDS was reported by state-licensed substance abuse treatment facilities (primarily those that received public funding) from across the nation.
The full report is available on the SAMHSA website.
FDA to Consider Tighter Regulations for Hydrocodone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon consider whether prescription painkillers containing hydrocodone should be more tightly regulated, as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has urged. A committee of the FDA will meet January 24-25, 2013 to consider the DEA's request.
Emergency room visits related to hydrocodone, the key ingredient in Vicodin and other painkillers, have soared since 2000. Vicodin, which also contains acetaminophen, is subject to fewer regulations than pure hydrocodone.
The DEA classifies drugs on a five-stage scale, which takes into account the potential for addiction. Currently, hydrocodone is considered by the DEA to be a Schedule II controlled substance, the second-highest level. Hydrocodone combinations, such as Vicodin, are Schedule III, and therefore have fewer restrictions on sales.
Schedule II drugs must be locked up at pharmacies. Physicians can only prescribe one bottle at a time, and patients must have an original prescription in order to obtain the medication. Schedule III drugs can be refilled up to six times without visiting a doctor, who can phone or fax in a prescription to the pharmacy.
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OASAS ATC Spotlight
The Bronx Addiction Treatment Center (ATC) is an OASAS licensed facility. The ATC is a 38-bed inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation  program for adult men and women located on the Bronx Behavioral Health Center Campus, also known as the Bronx Psychiatric Center (BPC). The services provided are designed to address the basic health care needs of each patient, as well as the specific physical, psychological and social symptoms associated with psychoactive alcohol and substance abuse. The Bronx ATC offers an array of culturally competent evidence-based practices and services targeting mainly the underserved. It also maintains an environment that is inclusive and supportive of LGBT community. The length of the stay varies according to the needs of each patient in addition to the recommendations of the treatment team.
The ATC's treatment philosophy is based on a holistic model that includes working with the individual and any other significant
 | | L-R, First Row: Sean Medford, RN; Ray Whittingham; Ms. Latham; David Gibson, ATC Director; Barbara Walters; and Nancy Kuria-Taylor, Assistant Director. L-R, Second Row: Paschal Amadife; Eneida Diaz; Kym High; Donna Curtis; Nelson Ogando; Albert King; Benjamin Onudo; Marion Rivers; Jen Yameogo, intern; and Kathleen Mulligan. |
persons in his/her life who are supportive of and willing to participate in the recovery process.
Treatment services stress abstinence from alcohol and all mood altering drugs. Patients are empowered to use self-help and other recovery resources. Treatment is geared towards providing individual and group counseling as well as physical, psychological and social rehabilitation.
The ATC's programming, while primarily focusing on treating the disease of addiction, also addresses issues of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV/DV), Family Outreach and Education, Criminal Thinking (CJ), and Recovery Support through its Alumni Association. In collaboration with the Bronx Psychiatric Center (BPC), the Bronx ATC also specializes in serving patients with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health disorders, also known as co-occurring disorders (COD).
To learn more about the Bronx ATC, please visit the OASAS website.
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Patient Advocacy FAQs
Mike Yorio, Patient Advocacy Supervisor
The Patient Advocacy FAQs will be included in each edition of the newsletter. In addition to addressing patient complaints, OASAS' Patient Advocacy (PA) group advises provider staff on matters related to patient rights and treatment standards. For immediate assistance, patients may call 1-800-553-5790 and staff may call 646-728-4520.
Here are a few questions addressed by PA recently.
Patient: I am a patient at an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). I have attended every day for three years. For the last year, I have not received my carfare reimbursement check, which I used to get regularly every month before that. I figure I'm owed about $1,000 or more. Can you help me get my money?
PA: Yes, I can help, but only with advice, not with money. Indeed, OTP patients covered by Medicaid are entitled to receive Metro-card reimbursement for round trip visits to an OTP, provided they live at least 10 blocks from the OTP. Patients receive reimbursement directly by check sent by NYC Human Resources Administration [HRA], after attendance dates are verified by the OTP and other entities, such as NETSMART and the Department of Health. Unfortunately, breakdowns can and do occur. A patient's best option is to work through the process. That is, start at your OTP and ask to meet with the person who handles Medicaid carfare. More often than not, that person can help solve the problem by verifying that all required paperwork has been submitted and by helping you complete an official HRA Complaint Resolution Form, which must be sent by the OTP to NYC HRA, Medical Insurance, 330 West 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10001. You can also complete the form yourself, but you'll still need to include information that only the OTP can provide. Once the form is filed, follow all HRA instructions regarding the complaint process, including attending a fair hearing, if the complaint goes that far. Hopefully sooner rather than later, as long as the Medicaid office has your current address, the mail carrier will deliver your reimbursement.
Program Director: Can a program add its internal contact information to the poster that advises patients of their rights? On the other hand, if a program already has its contact information posted, must it then also post OASAS' 800 number in addition to the program's?
PA: Yes to the first question, and a qualified yes to the second. Providers must inform patients of their rights and how to file a grievance or express a concern. Postings, like the one available on OASAS' website [see the Patient Advocacy page ], are intended as one way to cover those requirements. Providers can add their director's name and contact information to the Patient Advocacy poster. Similarly, hospital-affiliated programs, which often have rights and complaint-filing information already posted in order to meet other oversight agencies' requirements, need not post separate and additional rights information to satisfy OASAS requirements. However, for hospital-affiliated programs, especially if actually located in a hospital, OASAS advises adding particular contact information for program staff who are more likely to be familiar with OASAS and chemical-dependency requirements. Aside from postings that are readily visible, easily distinguishable, and set completely apart from other memos and notices, the key to protecting patient rights is to have a complaint-resolution process that works quickly and without judgment to address and resolve all patient concerns.
Program Director: Are there any guidelines to follow when a program intends to raise program fees for patients?
PA.: Yes. Clear information is available in Local Services Bulletin 2009-01, which recognizes that treatment is not free and that patients are responsible to pay for treatment or to obtain coverage, if and when eligible. The Bulletin gives other helpful guidelines and OASAS advises programs to review that information and follow those guidelines when developing policy and implementing fee-collection procedures. Still, common sense also applies. Programs should be reasonable with fees and fee increases, and give patients at least a 30-to-60-day notice of any change, with a rationale explaining why. In addition, programs should have consideration for those who can't afford fees or a fee increase and be willing to repeat a patient's financial assessment upon request and every time there's a change in the patient's financial status.
If you have a question that you would like to see addressed in the Patient Advocacy FAQs column, please send it to [email protected].
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Outreach Named One of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for Fourth Consecutive Year
Outreach, the noted drug and alcohol treatment program with offices in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, has been named one of the  Best Companies to Work for in New York State for the fourth year in a row.
In 2013, the non-profit organization ranked among the top 30 companies in the category of small-and-medium-sized employers, those with fewer than 249 U.S. employees.
Created in 2007, the Best Companies program evaluates and ranks the best places of employment in the state based on employee satisfaction and engagement, and workplace practices and policies. It is unique because employees' survey responses comprise 75 percent of the ranking formula.
The Outreach award will be presented during the sixth annual Best Companies awards dinner at the Albany Marriott on the evening of Tuesday, April 30, when the final rankings of winners are revealed.
The event is attended by representatives of institutions of higher education and human resources professionals representing organizations across New York State. A special publication profiling the winning organizations and their unique employment practices is distributed to attendees and to thousands of additional human resources professionals.
"We are especially honored to be recognized this year," said Kathleen Riddle, President of Outreach. "Following Hurricane Sandy, so many of our employees struggled with personal loss and extraordinary challenges, yet they made sure our level of service was maintained and that our organization was there to assist clients and students, many of whom also faced obstacles. I couldn't be prouder of our staff and pledge that our agency will continue to be a place where workers are supported to the greatest extent possible."
For more information on the Best Companies program, please visit www.bestcompaniesNY.com.
(Source: Outreach Newsletter published by DJC Communications)
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Resources from NYC DOH for Emergency
Department Providers
The New York City Health Department worked with a panel of Emergency Department physicians to create the materials linked to below. The
purpose is to help reduce the misuse of prescription opioid analgesics by establishing standards for prescribing upon discharge from the Emergency Department.
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The Resource Training Center Launches New York's First Free Addiction Recovery Telephone Support Line to Help Those in Recovery
The first New York State Recovery Telephone Support Line to help those in recovery from substance addiction was launched on February 4, 2013. This free and confidential support line is a service of The Resource Training Center's Recovery & Life Coaching Academy (www.ralca.org).
The service will be manned by qualified Recovery Coaches, who will offer callers immediate guidance regarding their recovery from alcohol, prescription drugs and illicit drugs. They will also offer long-term follow up, including a recovery plan that can last between 2 and 8 weeks. While a Recovery Coach does not offer traditional counseling or the clinical services of diagnosing or treating substance abuse disorders or mental health issues, they are experienced at helping people in recovery to get and stay on track and avoid serious relapses.
To speak to a qualified Recovery Coach, call (718) 441-0030 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For more information, go to The Recovery & Life Coaching Academy website at www.ralca.org. |
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Serving Our Veterans: Behavioral Health Certificate Available
The Veterans Mental Health Coalition of New York City is proud to offer online classes that can help you meet the behavioral health needs of veterans and their families. Additionally, The Mental Health Association of New York City's (MHA-NYC) e-learning portal offers hundreds of courses that focus on diverse mental health issues, interventions and special populations.
The Serving Our Veterans: Behavioral Health Certificate is designed to train civilian behavioral health and primary care providers on military orientation and specific issues affecting veterans and their families. It offers 14 self-directed, self-paced online courses that
- Provide the latest clinical guidelines from the Department of Defense
- Demonstrate applicable knowledge and skills through real-life examples
- Emphasize cultural sensitivities to ensure clinical competency.
The Serving Our Veterans Certificate is a public/private partnership among the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Department of Defense Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP), and Essential Learning to ensure that our exceptional veterans and their families receive the exceptional services they deserve.
The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) recognizes this nationally accredited organization and, as such, all relevant coursework/training will be acceptable for CASAC, CPP and/or CPS initial credentialing and/or renewal clock hours. |
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Civic Restoration - A Road to Workforce Development
The Bronx Clergy Criminal Justice Roundtable hosted a community event and
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Dr. Divine Pryor, Executive Director, Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions; Dr. Vanda Seward, Statewide Director of Reentry Services, NYS Dept. of Corrections and Community Supervision; and Glenn E. Martin, Vice President of Development & Public Affairs , Fortune Society |
panel discussion on January 18, 2013, in the Bronx on Civic Restoration: A Road to Workforce Development for Formerly Incarcerated People. The event was hosted by Reverend Que English, Senior Pastor of Bronx Christian Fellowship. This event allowed community leaders, local business owners, and residents of the community to network and discuss the challenges the City faces in unemployment and the growing population of people reentering society from jails and prison.
"We need to think through the processes of poverty and how policies impact the community," said State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson of the 36th Senate District, a special guest speaker.
With a recent release of 300 reentrees and many more anticipated in 2013, this panel equated employment with public safety, accountability, and productivity--and community involvement with the road of recovery. |
OASAS Regional Coordinator for Western NY Visits New Chemical Dependency Unit at Women's Christian Association (WCA) Hospital
Patrick Morrison, OASAS Regional Coordinator for the western field office,
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From left, Andrew O'Brien, CASAC, WCA Hospital Director of Chemical Dependency; Patrick Morrison, Regional Coordinator for the OASAS Western Field Office; Betsy T. Wright, FACHE, WCA Hospital President/CEO |
recently visited with officials and staff at the Women's Christian Association (WCA) Hospital to tour the newly constructed Inpatient Chemical Dependency Unit located on the 4th Floor at WCA Hospital, 207 Foote Avenue, in Jamestown, New York.
"The new unit is a state-of-the-art environment," Mr. Morrison said. "Patients and their families will feel welcomed and respected while receiving the highest quality of care."
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Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute to be Held in Albany this Spring
The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute is sponsored by the New York State Puerto Rican Task Force and the New York State Education Department. The goals of the Institute are for Latino students interested in Latino issues to learn about the legislative process and gain leadership skills. This year's Institute is scheduled to be held from March 23-25, 2013.
During the three-day Institute in Albany, students will participate in leadership activities, network with high school students from across New York State, conduct a mock assembly, interact with legislators, and attend a student recognition dinner. If you have any questions about the program, please call Gladys Cruz, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent of Questar III BOCES in Castleton, New York at (518) 479-6859. |
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Save the Date: Annual ASAP Conference to be Held in Buffalo May 5-8
The 14th Annual ASAP conference will be in Buffalo from May 5-8, 2013. The conference agenda is filled with exciting training opportunities for administrators, supervisors, clinicians, case managers and students. Please be sure to share the information with your colleagues or students.
Workshop topics include (please scroll down and be sure to visit ASAP webpage for the full conference agenda)
- Creating a sustainable financial model that is responsive to an era of healthcare reform
- The Correlation between Substance Use Disorder and Domestic Violence
- Preventing Re-admission to High-Cost Services
- Cultural Competence (*OASAS requires CASACs to complete a minimum of 15 hours on cultural competence)
- Mapping Enhanced Counseling: An evidence-based practice with multiple applications
- Health Homes Overview And Implementation
- The Resilient Woman: Using the 7 Steps to Personal Power in Treatment
- SBIRT
- What you always wanted to know about synthetic drugs
In the course of the conference, a special NYSAM track is offered focused on role of pharmacotherapy.
Link to Register: https://registration.sitesolutionsworldwide.com/synergy/v_1_/home/?id=745
Link for conference information: https://registration.sitesolutionsworldwide.com/synergy/v_1_/home/?id=745&info=1
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March is Women's History Month
March is National Women's History Month, and each year during this time many people across New York State and this nation celebrate the achievements of
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Dina Refki, Executive Director of the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society
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women. This year's national theme,"Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics" (STEM), honors generations of women who have used their influence, imagination, sense of wonder, and tenacity to make extraordinary contributions to the STEM fields.
This year, there were two events held at OASAS to mark the Women's History Month Observance. The first was on Friday, March 15, 2013, in Albany and New York City. Dina Refki, Executive Director of the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, was the keynote speaker for the event. Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez also addressed the group and spoke about how the OASAS community could make a difference too. She stated, "Science is transforming our work in the addictions field. We can talk to young women about that. We should encourage them to think about becoming scientists and engineers in order to improve lives."
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Diane Ortiz, Associate Director of Exodus Transitional Community
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The second event was held on March 21, 2013, again via simulcast in Albany and
New York City. Diane Ortiz, Associate Director of Exodus Transitional Community, shared her extraordinary journey from
incarceration to successful reintegration into society to help others. Through her work with Exodus, which provides support services for formerly
incarcerated men and women re-entering the community, she has created awareness about the possibilities for second chances. Listening to Diane's poignant personal story was inspiring for the OASAS staff, whose work is also dedicated to helping those struggling with addictions rebuild their lives.
OASAS thanks Dina Refki and Diane Ortiz for their presentations in honor of Women's History month! Also, in observance of Women's History Month, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a proclamation and announced the opening of the 2013 Women's Equality Exhibit. The exhibit is located in the War Room of the Capitol and includes information about events from the 1820s to the 1980s, showcasing women's challenges during the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, the Depression and World War II. Women featured in the exhibit include: - Lavinia Wright, co-leader of the first garment workers' strike
- Louise Mitchell, co-leader of the first garment workers' strike
- Jane Hunt, Seneca Falls Convention organizer
- Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, only woman to earn a Congressional Medal of Honor
- Belva Ann Lockwood, pioneering female attorney and political activist
- Rose Schneiderman, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory workers' advocate
- Belle Moskowitz, social reform activist and advisor to Governor Al Smith
- Frances Perkins, first female member of the U.S. Cabinet, served as Secretary of Labor under Presidents Roosevelt and Truman
- Eleanor Roosevelt, influential First Lady and Human Rights activist
- Pauline Newman, organizer of the women's labor movement in New York
- Kate Mullaney, founder of the Collar Laundry Union in Troy, New York
- Luisa Moreno, immigrant workers' rights advocate
- Mary McLeod Bethune, African American community rights activist
There are a number of artifacts featured in the exhibit: - Sewing machine from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
- ERA ratification propaganda
- Letter from Clara Barton
- Original copy of the 1848 Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments
- U.S. Navy WAVES uniform
- First women's property rights law in New York
To learn more about Women's History Month, visit theOASAS website, The National Women's History project or www.WomensHistoryMonth.gov.
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