There were 1,265 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 411,925 in the last 365 days.

HHS Establishing Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee, Seeking Member Nominations

Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Opioid Policy, announced today the creation of a new committee to identify areas for improved coordination related to substance use disorder (SUD) research, services, supports and prevention activities across all relevant federal agencies.

HHS, in coordination with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is seeking members for the Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee, which was authorized by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act Public Law 115-271.

Per the statute, the committee will be composed of both federal and nonfederal members. In addition to members from HHS and ONDCP, the federal members will include representatives from the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, Social Security, Veteran Affairs and “other federal agencies that support or conduct activities or programs related to substance use disorders, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.”

Non-Federal members, who will be appointed by the HHS Secretary, will include:

  • Individuals who have received treatment for a diagnosis of SUD;
  • Directors of state substance use agencies;
  • Representatives of leading research, advocacy or service organizations for adults with SUDs;
  • Physicians, licensed mental health professionals, advance practice registered nurses, or physician assistants with experience in treating individuals with SUDs;
  • SUD treatment professionals who provide treatment services at certified opioid treatment programs;
  • SUD treatment professionals who have research or clinical experience in working with racial and ethnic minority populations;
  • SUD treatment professionals who have research or clinical mental health experience in working with medically underserved populations;
  • State-certified SUD peer support specialist;
  • Drug court judge or judge with experience in adjudicating cases related to SUD;
  • Public safety officer with extensive experience in interacting with adults with a SUD; and
  • Individuals with experience providing services for homeless individuals with a SUD.

Information about how to nominate individuals to serve on this committee is available in the Federal Register. Applications are due June 14, 2019.