Behavioral health is a component of service systems that improve health status and contain health care and other costs to society. Yet, people with mental and substance use disorders, because of their illness, have largely been excluded from the current health care system and rely on public "safety net" programs. Last year alone approximately 20 million people who needed substance abuse treatment did not receive it and an estimated 10.6 million adults reported an unmet need for mental health care. As a result the health and wellness of the individual is jeopardized and the unnecessary costs to society ripple across America's communities, schools, businesses, prisons & jails, and healthcare delivery systems.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)Deputy Director, Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesPublic Health Advisor, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesPublic Health Analyst, Office of Minority Health (OMH)