REPORT TO CONGRESS ON CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders Two senior AHP staff drafted the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Report to Congress on the Prevention and Treatment of Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Mental Disorders. This was a significant policy document that served as SAMHSA’s 5-year Blueprint for Action and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to help States and communities develop increased capacity to screen, assess, and treat co-occurring disorders. AHP staff researched and wrote all initial text for the 150-page report, which includes demographic and epidemiological data, prevention strategies, a summary of evidence-based practices for co-occurring disorders, and SAMHSA’s 5-Year Blueprint for Action. With six months between contract award and the due date for the first draft of the report, AHP worked expeditiously to manage the constituent input process. This involved collecting and analyzing both verbal and written input from other Federal agencies, national organizations, States, providers, advocates, consumers, and families. AHP staff also reviewed epidemiological literature and consulted with experts in the field to determine 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates of co-occurring disorders. Because communication and coordination between the mental health and substance abuse fields is often strained, at best, AHP staff had to negotiate competing priorities and help participants who advised the process to arrive at consensus on values, best practices, and resources.
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