Resources for Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Reports & Fact Sheets

• Housing in The Nation's Capital 2007, Fannie Mae Foundation and Urban Institute (November 2007)
• Slipping Through the Cracks: Closing the Gaps in the District's Mental Health System, District of Columbia Primary Care Association (October 2007)
• Substate Estimates from the 2002–2004 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (August 2006)
• Annual Report 2005, Mayor's Interagency Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Control
• Ending Homelessness for People With Mental Illnesses and Co-Occurring Disabilities, National Mental Health Association (Undated)

D.C. Government Plans

• First Citywide Comprehensive Substance Abuse Strategy, Mayor's Interagency Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Control (2003)

Organizations

• DC Behavioral Health Association. Organization of mental health providers that provide community-based mental health and related services to support the independence of low-income clients, many of whom are homeless. Seeks to improve community-based services through policy advocacy and professional staff development. Also facilitates networking among members and other organizations and educates the community about mental health.
• Mental Health America. Formerly National Mental Health Association. Nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. Programs focus on public education, encouraging reform, and promoting use of effective local and regional prevention and recovery programs.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Directly and through state and local affiliates, sponsors public education and awareness activities and family and peer support programs. Also conducts and coordinates public policy advocacy.
• National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Organization of behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addiction disorders to adults, children, and families in communities across the country.
• Partners for Change in Drug Treatment. Broad-based community coalition dedicated to improving the delivery of substance abuse prevention and treatment services in D.C. Organization does not, at this point, have a website.

SOME

Facts & Figures

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Washington, D.C.

Recent SOME Testimony

• Regarding the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget for the Department of Mental Health (April 17, 2008)
• Regarding the Department of Mental Health Oversight (February 20, 2008)
• Regarding the Public Oversight Roundtable Regarding Poverty Issues (January 16, 2008)

For resources to help you advocate on the issues, check out Advocacy Resources.