From the Administrator: Striving for Quality…One Step at a Time
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Terry L. Cline, Ph.D. |
Improving the quality of treatment services for substance abuse and mental
health is a constant challenge for communities across the Nation.
At SAMHSA, our mission includes helping prevention and treatment counselors,
clinics, and health care providers develop ways to change their service systems
to increase positive outcomes for their clients.
Process improvement is an ongoing effort and a collaborative one. One step
at a time, using a scientific method, organizations try simple, cost-effective
solutions to their biggest challenges. They keep the ones that work and discard
the ones that don’t.
SAMHSA, together with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and other leaders
in the substance abuse prevention and treatment field, was instrumental in
supporting the development of the Network for the Improvement of Addiction
Treatment (NIATx). SAMHSA is using the NIATx model to improve client-based
treatment services through “rapid-cycle” change. (See Reducing Wait Time Improves Treatment Access, Retention.)
The results are encouraging. When programs follow the NIATx model, significant
improvements occur in a short time. For individuals in recovery, improvements
to their treatment services can be lifesaving.
One SAMHSA grant program in particular, Strengthening Treatment Access and
Retention–State Implementation (STAR-SI), has shown great potential in
changing service systems.
STAR-SI state grantees are making simple, rapid, and cost-effective changes
to their treatment services. It’s making a difference in outcomes. In
addition, as part of NIATx, STAR-SI programs share the benefits of research,
innovative ideas, tools for improvement, and case studies.
At the launch of the 18th annual National Alcohol and
Drug Addiction Recovery Month in September, SAMHSA announced a new initiative—ACTION
(Adopting Changes To Improve Outcomes Now).
SAMHSA and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are supporting the ACTION Campaign
to offer treatment providers the tools and assistance they need to offer clients
quick access to services, improve client engagement and retention, and create
a seamless transition between levels of care (see A Pledge To Change: The ACTION Campaign).
Through the ACTION Campaign and other efforts, SAMHSA will promote dramatic
and measurable changes in service systems to help individuals and families
affected by alcohol and drug abuse keep their families together, maintain their
livelihoods and jobs, and continue to be productive members of their communities. 
Terry L. Cline, Ph.D.
Administrator, SAMHSA
See Also—Reducing Wait Time
Improves Treatment Access, Retention
« See Part 1: Reducing Wait Time
Improves Treatment Access, Retention
« See Part 2: Reducing Wait Time Improves Treatment Access, Retention
« What Is NIATx?
« What Is Process Improvement?
« STAR-SI in Action: South Carolina
« STAR-SI Participants
« ACTION Campaign
Next Article »
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