Recovery support now included in SAMHSA's strategic initiatives

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently restructured its strategic initiatives, including a new focus area called recovery support. According to a press release from Witness Justice, the change came after advocates brought to SAMHSA's attention that none of its initiatives included survivor/consumer voice and leadership.

A description on the SAMHSA website states the program's focus is "Partnering with people in recovery from mental and substance use disorders to guide the behavioral health system and promote individual, program, and system-level approaches that foster health and resilience; increase permanent housing, employment, education, and other necessary supports; and reduce barriers to social inclusion."

For more information:

• SAMHSA website: Recovery Support
• Witness Justice press release: SAMHSA Responds to Advocacy and U.S. Congressional Request with a New "Recovery Support" Initiative