Description
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment in Targeted Areas of Need - Technology Assisted Care (TCE - TAC). The purpose of this program is to enhance and/or expand the capacity of substance abuse treatment providers to serve clients who have been underserved because of lack of access to treatment in their immediate community due to transportation concerns, an inadequate number of substance abuse treatment providers in their community, and/or financial constraints, through the use of therapeutic techniques that involve innovative, creative and cost-effective advanced technology. This approach may include the use of various technological modalities such as Internet, tele-behavioral health, chatlines, videocams, etc. In order to address the broad needs of this population, SAMHSA/CSAT seeks to increase access, compliance and retention of clients in substance abuse treatment. Through the use of advanced technology-based treatments, clients will have more frequent contact with providers resulting in a decreased burden on clients and families who have limited or no access to treatment services. SAMHSA/CSAT is interested in applications from substance abuse treatment providers who have the infrastructure to effectively provide substance abuse treatment and other ancillary services using innovative, creative, and cost-effective techniques for populations such as individuals living in rural areas, those with social phobias, and the elderly. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on Americas communities. Over the years SAMHSA, in collaboration with other Federal agencies, States, local organizations, and individuals including consumers and the recovery community, has demonstrated that - prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover from mental and substance use disorders. Behavioral health is a component of service systems and community-wide strategies that improve health status and contain health care and other costs to society. Continued improvement in the delivery and financing of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services provides a cost effective opportunity to advance and protect the Nations health. To continue to improve the delivery and financing of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services SAMHSA has identified 10 Strategic Initiatives to focus the Agencys work on people and emerging opportunities. TCE TAC grantees are expected to address the following two strategic initiatives: * Behavioral Health Workforce o Increase the number of behavioral health providers skilled in providing technology-assisted care; o Improve the training offered in technology-assisted care; o Improve the ability of behavioral health workers to deliver services through technological modalities; and * Military Families - Support of our service men and women and their families and communities by leading efforts to ensure needed behavioral health services are accessible and outcomes are successful. As of February 2009, approximately 1.89 million men and women have been deployed to serve in support of overseas contingency operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Individuals returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are at increased risk for suffering post-traumatic stress and other related disorders. Experts estimate that up to one-third of returning veterans will need mental health and/or substance abuse treatment and related services. In addition, the family members of returning veterans have an increased need for related support services. To address these concerns, SAMHSA strongly encourages all applicants to consider the unique needs of returning veterans and their families in developing their proposed project. TCE - TAC is one of SAMHSAs services grant programs. SAMHSAs services grants are designed to address gaps in substance abuse prevention and treatment services and/or to increase the ability of States, units of local government, American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and tribal organizations, and community- and faith-based organizations to help specific populations or geographic areas with serious, emerging substance abuse problems. SAMHSA intends that its services grants result in the delivery of services as soon as possible after award. Service delivery should begin by the 4th month of the project at the latest. TCE - TAC grants are authorized under Section 509 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. This announcement addresses Healthy People 2010 focus area 26 (Substance Abuse)