March 7, 2019
On March 6, 2019 leading addiction and mental health experts convened on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to make immediate and strategic investments in the substance use disorder (SUD) workforce during a Congressional briefing titled, “Equipping the Frontline of a Crisis: How Congress Can Empower the Addiction Workforce to Save Lives.” Sponsored by the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose (CSOO), the briefing was held in coordination with U.S. Representatives Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Hal Rogers (R-KY), who serve on the House Committee on Appropriations.
Addiction is not a moral failing. It is a chronic brain disease affecting millions of Americans that requires evidence-based treatment and ongoing disease management. Unfortunately, our healthcare workforce is woefully underequipped to make a meaningful and sustainable impact on the opioid overdose epidemic and prevent future crises related to substance use disorder…If we do not address this severe shortage of addiction treatment providers, the current treatment gap will not be closed and more lives will be lost.
— Dr. Yngvild Olsen
Find the full press release here and watch the video!
We were live today at the “Equipping the Frontline of a Crisis: How Congress Can Empower the Addiction Workforce to Save Lives” Capitol Hill briefing, sponsored by CSOO and the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG).Watch the recording below:
Posted by Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose on Wednesday, March 6, 2019
The AATA is a member organization of the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG), a coalition of national organizations representing consumers, family members, mental health and addiction providers, advocates, payers and other stakeholders committed to strengthening Americans’ access to mental health and addiction care. As trusted leaders in the field, our 70+ member organizations are dedicated to elevating the national conversation around mental health and addiction. Together, we work to advance federal policies that support prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery services and supports.
Art therapists bring a diverse, holistic perspective to the substance use disorder workforce. The creative process offers a safe way for participants to express themselves and gain insight into circumstances and root causes of addition. Coping skills developed in art therapy help promote and sustain recovery.