The Behavioral Health Treatment Needs Assessment Toolkit is intended to provide states and other payers with information on the prevalence and use of behavioral health services; step-by-step instructions to generate projections of utilization under insurance expansions; and factors to consider when deciding the appropriate mix of behavioral health benefits, services, and providers to meet the […]
Administration & leadership
Integrated Care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities: A Blueprint for Action
On April 8, 2011 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (US DHHS) issued an action plan to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance health equity and eliminate disparities in behavioral health for racial and ethnic minority populations, the US DHHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) […]
Hawaii Community Health Needs Assessment: Mental Health Visits High in Hospitals
A new study of Hawaii’s hospitals mandated under President Barack Obama’s sweeping health care overhaul shows more patients were hospitalized for mental health issues in 2011 than any other preventable cause. The state’s Community Health Needs Assessment shows mental health causes accounted for 5,180 hospital visits in Hawaii in 2011. That’s well above the next […]
The Native Gay Men and Two Spirit People and HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Programs and Services
This issue brief by the The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) highlights key issues that impact risks for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and viral hepatitis among Native gay men and Two Spirit people. It presents recommendations for state and local health departments to effectively collaborate with Tribal communities, Native agencies and […]
How do Tobacco Laws and Density of Tobacco Stores Influence Youth Smoking?
A new study investigating the association between local tobacco policies, the density of tobacco sales outlets, and young people smoking was published by the Mentor Foundation recently. Researchers surveyed 1,491 US children (mean age 14.7 years) and found that those who lived in areas with many tobacco-licensed retail stores smoked more frequently. There was no […]
Guidance to States: Recommendations for Developing Family Drug Court Guidelines
The Center for Children and Family Futures has released “Guidance to States: Recommendations for Developing Family Drug Court Guidelines.” This publication provides a blueprint for local and state policymakers and practitioners to implement best practices in providing effective family drug court (FDC) services. Well-functioning FDCs bring together substance abuse treatment (in lieu of incarceration), mental […]