Good evening, all --
During yesterday's AE call, some of you asked for updates on the opioid abatement efforts. I thought it might also be helpful to provide some other timely updates as well relating to SUD funding.
- SAMHSA announced today that grantees may use funds for purchasing fentanyl test strips. This aligns with some of the insights that our addictions committee members shared prior to our conversation with Biden-Harris transition team. It also reflects the recent statement from ONDCP on many SUD-related policies, including harm reduction.
- SABG funding guidance was provided last month by the Acting Secretary. I've attached that document here. I want to point out the ability to use these dollars for alcohol use disorder as well as use for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in correctional settings.
- There is a national working group, led in-part by Josh Rising who spoke with you all a few months back, to advocate for policies to ensure opioid abatement dollars are used in the best ways possible. The group identified a few states with strong legislation: Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, and Virginia. One concern with many of the bills is that they are very opioid-specific. Understanding that polysubstance use is more prevalent and the ties to co-occurring conditions, this working group is advocating for more public health flexibility with these dollars while still focusing on mental health and substance use. Here is a current overview of policies nationally:
- 13 states have either passed a resolution through their Attorney General (3 states) or a bill through their legislature (10 states)
- 6 states have active bills
- 2 states have had bills fail
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or insights on these three updates.
Thank you!
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Brett Beckerson
Director, Policy & Advocacy
National Council for Behavioral Health
Washington DC
202-684-7457
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