BY THE NUMBERS
A new study examined disparities in buprenorphine treatment duration for 240,923 patients from 2006 to 2020. Researchers found that racial and ethnic disparities in the discontinuation of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment with buprenorphine increased in the 14-year study period. In analyzing trends in treatment duration, which is one measure of quality of care, researchers found that Black and Hispanic individuals’ treatment durations were shorter compared to White individuals. Data showed that treatment duration with buprenorphine in racial and ethnic minorities was more likely to end sooner than for White populations. Further, treatment length decreased consistently for Black patients since 2014 and for Hispanic patients since 2009. Researchers concluded that this data likely reflects the disproportionate barriers to accessing OUD treatment and structural barriers to treatment retention.
Main Stories:
New National Guidelines for Youth Mental Health Crisis Care
SAMHSA released a new report outlining core principles and components of crisis response for children, youth, and families. National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care discusses the urgent need to address and improve crisis response for these populations and provides best practices, implementation strategies, and practical guidance. The Report highlights core principles in addressing youth crisis care, including addressing recovery needs, trauma-informed care, the role for peers, safety and security for staff and people in crisis, and more. Additionally, SAMHSA provides guidance on the needs of special populations and key systems of care partners, which may help providers coordinate and collaborate to expand access to care.
Register for NatCon23 Today!
Registration and housing for NatCon23 is officially open! We’re returning to the West Coast after an incredible NatCon22 to deliver three days of non-stop learning, networking and entertainment. Offering hundreds of hours of leadership-building, organization-boosting content, NatCon23 is your destination for professional development and practice improvement. Join us in Los Angeles, California, from May 1-3, for the largest conference in mental health and substance use treatment!
Webinar on Suicide and Opioid Intersectionality and Prevention
Join us on Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-5 p.m. ET, for Suicide and Opioids: Intersections and Opportunities for Prevention. This webinar will provide an overview of risk and protective factors associated with suicidality and OUD, and will outline effective organizational and clinical prevention and intervention strategies for individuals experiencing OUD. Register here.
ADVOCACY CORNER
Sign-up for Advocacy Alerts! Are you interested in advocating for policies that expand access to mental health and substance use treatment services? Sign up for National Council advocacy alerts and become part of an engaged network of advocates advancing policy on the federal and state levels. Learn more about our current advocacy efforts here and follow us on Twitter at @NationalCouncil.
HAPPENING ON THE HILL
SAMHSA Releases Interim Strategic Plan. SAMHSA released a new Interim Strategic Plan this month, focusing its new mission and vision on a person-centered approach. SAMHSA’s stated mission is to “lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.”
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