Thousands of Americans with substance use disorders will have access to more options for treatment under the fiscal year 2007 Access to Recovery discretionary grant program. Up to $96 million in grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will continue Access to Recovery programs across the country.
Recipients of these competitive grants-- states, territories, the District of Columbia and federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations-- will have broad discretion to design and implement federally supported programs to pay for a range of effective faith- and community-based substance abuse clinical treatment and recovery support services.
“Access to Recovery harnesses the power of faith- and community-based programs to push back against the disease of addiction,” said John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “This innovative approach is making recovery a reality for thousands of Americans by bringing proven, effective substance abuse treatment programs within reach where and when they are needed.”
Access to Recovery also emphasizes accountability and demonstrated effectiveness, requiring states to create an incentive system for positive outcomes and to take steps to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Provider payment and program success will continue to be measured by seven specific outcomes: abstinence from drugs and alcohol, no involvement with the criminal justice system, attainment of employment or enrollment in school, social supports, access to care, retention in care, and stable housing. By assessing the scope and outcomes of the program, grantees will discover what works best and adjust their programs accordingly. SAMHSA will evaluate overall program effectiveness and utility nationwide.
The key to implementing the grant program is each state’s ability to ensure genuine, free and independent choice of eligible providers. Grantees are encouraged to support any combination of clinical treatment and recovery support services that can be expected to achieve the program’s goal of cost-effective, successful outcomes for the largest number of people.
It is expected that $96 million will be available to fund up to 18 awards.
States, territories, the District of Columbia and federally recognized Indian tribes have until June 8, 2007, to submit their grant applications. Copies of the application for
TI-07-005 are available online at http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/index.aspx or you may request a complete application kit from the SAMSHA Clearinghouse at 1-877-SAMHSA7.
