SAMHSA Revamps Agency Web Site, Improves Usability

SAMHSA recently redesigned the Agency Web site to improve usability and to respond to stakeholder needs. The new design also reflects guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"www.samhsa.gov" offers a powerful connection to online information on SAMHSA programs, public education materials, substance abuse and mental health services, and SAMHSA grant opportunities.

The site offers separate navigational paths for professionals and the general public. Public information is tailored to the varying needs of individuals seeking help, family members looking for resources, and general readers looking for non-technical information.

SAMHSA's Web site highlights the Agency's Matrix of Program Priorities, which represent SAMHSA's 11 core service areas: Children and Families, Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Co-occurring Disorders, Disaster Readiness and Response, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, Homelessness, Mental Health System Transformation, Older Adults, Seclusion and Restraint, the Strategic Prevention Framework, and Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity.

Each program area links to resources for professionals, including technical assistance, online publications, access to print materials, and notices of upcoming conferences.

In addition, programs and activities as well as online resources are featured along with links to each of SAMHSA's three Centers.

"Doing Business with SAMHSA" links to SAMHSA's online business information, including contract opportunities and budget documents.

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Click-by-Click Access to Grants Information

The Web site's redesign includes a retooling of SAMHSA's grant announcement process. The new appearance makes it easier for potential grant applicants to find details of upcoming funding opportunities, access tips for creating a successful application, and locate other key information with a click of the mouse.

A "click-by-click" tutorial gives users a comprehensive review of all grants management information, technical assistance and training for grant applicants, and archives of past grant recipients and programs. When available, 2005 funding opportunities will be posted along with previews of other future grant opportunities.

For more information, see "How To Use This Site: Click-by-Click Instructions" on the Grants home page.

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Quick Picks Resources

The "Quick Picks" box offers links to statistics and data, workplace resources, and the new online Communications Center—the place to find news releases, SAMHSA publications from the National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information and from the National Mental Health Information Center, and SAMHSA News online. Users can also sign up here to be added to the Agency's mailing list.

The Quick Picks box also features rotating links to some of SAMHSA's campaigns and programs, including National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, the Faith-based and Community Initiative, Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free, the Substance Abuse Facility Locator, Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Activities, and the Knowledge Application Program.

Future issues of SAMHSA News will highlight special service areas of the new Web site. For more information, visit www.samhsa.gov.

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