Mental Health Division
Wyoming Expertise in
Washington
Rodger McDaniel testifying before the Senate hearing.
May 8, 2007 - Senator Mike Enzi called on Rodger McDaniel, Deputy Director of the Wyoming Department of Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, to testify at the hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Mr. McDaniel testified on how to improve care for those suffering from mental health problems and substance addiction.
“We are beginning to see signs of success of the combined state, federal and local community efforts. First time meth use among
Wyoming high school students has declined,” said McDaniel.
McDaniel offered the committee three recommendations to help
Wyoming and the nation for increased prevention and treatment of substance abuse and addiction.
“The first involves strategies to replace the myths with the science in order to promote more effective prevention and treatment and more relevant public policy. The second is that Congress give states and local communities the flexibility they need to make the best use of their resources and community leadership to address their own unique substance abuse problem. Finally, I recommend that we stay the course on accountability, recognizing the progress that has been made working together on a continual quest to improve client outcomes,” said McDaniel.
Rodger with Senator Enzi before the hearing
During the hearing Enzi said that Congress must address the growing epidemic of methamphetamine use in the
United States . Statistics show that approximately 5 percent of the U.S. population is addicted to methamphetamine, and
Wyoming is among the top third of states with persons 12 or older using the drug.
“
Wyoming has taken steps to reduce and hopefully eliminate the use of methamphetamine. Already, methamphetamine use in
Wyoming high schools has decreased by 27 percent between 2003 and 2005. People in
Wyoming are getting treatment for methamphetamine addiction at higher rates than before. Eradication of this epidemic is in our grasp and I hope to explore SAMHSA’s role in this critical effort.”
Rodger and Lisa Halpern of Massachusetts meeting with Sen. Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) after the hearing. Lisa will be coming to Wyoming to speak at the Starfish Awards dinner in September.
To see a video of Rodger McDaniel's testimony, click here.
Your Brain on Drugs
"The brain science should be the foundation of treatment practices and public policy." (Testimony of Rodger McDaniel to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the U.S. Senate on May 8, 2007")
View the "Your Brain on Drugs" PSA on Patrnership for a Drug-Free America.
In the 1990's, this commercial changed the public's views on the effects of drugs on the brain through powerful visual images. However, emerging science allows us to actually see the changes in the brain of a person who uses meth and other dangerous drugs.
Download a Powerpoint presentation: Brain on Drugs
Our Mission:
The Mental Health Division of the Wyoming Department of Health exists to be a leader in providing high-quality behavioral services that anticipate and respond to the changing needs of persons served.
Our strategic plan is to advocate for and participate in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive system of mental health services and supports throughout Wyoming, which stresses independence, dignity, security, and recovery.
Learn more about the Mental Health Division.
Wyoming citizens and other interested members of the public may learn more about the Mental Health Planning Council and its work, exchange information, and access resources and reports.