Dates are Set for Upcoming Community Leadership Initiative Retreats

We continue to build our network of advocates for policy change to reduce underage alcohol problems and increase access to treatment in New Hampshire.  Please join us for a one-day Leadership Retreat December 9, 2009 in Concord; March 11, 2010 in Nashua or April 14, 2010 in Plymouth.  To learn more about CLI, go to: www.new-futures.org/community-leadership-initiative

Alcohol and Other Drug Services Integrating in More Health Care Settings

A recent presentation to request authorization for use of SBIRT in St. Joseph Hospital’s trauma and emergency departments yielded an unexpected and very welcome response from several primary care physicians.  They wanted to know more about this evidence-based practice and the tools involved in implementation.

Notes from the President

I want to focus my comments this month on national healthcare reform.  Reform of the national healthcare system represents a unique opportunity to improve opportunities for people to recover from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. At the same time, we can curb the enormous costs associated with addiction. Research shows that prevention and early invention reduce the incidence of other costly co-occurring chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers.  Chronic disease management practices that keep families healthy will improve public safety as well as contain skyrocketing health care costs. 

Organizations from the alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment and recovery communities have joined with allies from the mental health community to ensure that appropriate responses to addiction and mental illness are included in national healthcare reform proposals.  So far, all of the draft healthcare bills or proposals include some mention of addiction and mental health.  However, the serious discussions are just getting underway and strong advocacy will be needed to make sure that the full continuum of addiction and mental health services are included and will be available for people seeking recovery, just like any other health condition.

Getting involved with the Legal Action Center is a one way you can help.  The Legal Action Center National Healthcare Reform Alert provides an opportunity for your voice to be heard on this critical public policy issue.  http://lac.org/index.php/lac/352