Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration

What is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration?

The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is charged with researching and subsequently improving the availability of treatment and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, disability, death and the societal costs associated with drug addiction and mental illnesses.

The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a government agency that is publicly funded; the agency operates under the Department of Health and Human Services to prevent and treat the aforementioned illnesses and diseases.

Quick Facts Concerning the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is led by Pamela S. Hyde—the agency’s administrator. The administrator must report directly to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration was founded in 1992; the agency maintains jurisdiction with the Federal Government of the United States.

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

History of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:

As stated above, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration was established in 1992 by the United States Congress as part of a reorganization effort of the Federal Administration on mental health services. The agency evolved after the termination of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration.

The United States Congress ordered the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to deliver substance abuse and mental health facilities and services to the people who needed help. Additionally, the agency was needed to translate research in these areas and deliver the information to the general health care system.

How is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Organized?

As stated before, the overall mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American communities. To achieve this goal, the agency administers a series of programs to collect data and provide resources to the public.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s programs are carried out through the following sub-agencies:

o The Center for Mental Health Services

o The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

o The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

o The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality

Together these agencies support the United States and local organizations within the country through a series of contract and grant awards.