This document summarizes SAMHSA's strategic initiatives and challenges around prevention of substance abuse and mental illness. It discusses how health reform presents new opportunities and challenges, including 32 million more Americans being eligible for coverage by 2014. SAMHSA's strategic initiatives focus on goals like preventing onset of substance abuse and mental illness through primary prevention, reducing underage drinking and prescription drug misuse, and preventing suicides. The document outlines challenges for state leadership in implementing prevention programs and ensuring access to evidence-based services under health reform.

1. The Future of Prevention: Our Challenges andOpportunitiesFrances M. Harding, DirectorSAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention2011 NCADD Conference of AffiliatesArlington, VA • September 7, 2011

2. SAMHSA’s Key MessagesBehavioral health is essential for health

3. Prevention works

4. Treatment is effective

5. People recover from mental and substance use disordersRole of Prevention in Substance Use and Mental Health DisordersBehavioral health is essential for health

6. Addiction as a complex and chronic disease

7. Recovery as a process rather than an event

8. Ongoing contact and support to complement treatment

9. Natural supports such as friends, peers, and family

10. Evidence-based, multi-component prevention programsAssessing Public Knowledge and Attitudes: What Americans Believe

11. Drivers of Change

12. Health ReformMore people will have insurance coverage.

13. Theme: prevent diseases, promote wellness

14. Integrated care: new thinking—recovery, wellness, role of peers, response to whole health needs

15. New opportunities for behavioral health:

16. Parity: Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act and within Affordable Care Act

17. Tribal Law and Order Act