The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has opened public comments on Leading Change 2.0, it's strategic plan for 2015-2018.

"This strategic plan outlines work to increase the awareness and improve understanding about mental and substance use disorders, promote emotional health and wellness, and the prevention of substance abuse and mental illness, increase access to effective treatment, and support recovery. An important component of the plan is the prioritization of six Strategic Initiatives and the linkages between these initiatives and SAMHSA’s policy, programmatic, and financial planning. At its core, this plan offers a framework for planning around common categories of initiatives that enable cross-collaboration and organization of SAMHSA’s work."

The document can be downloaded from SAMHSA's website as a PDF file. Comments are to be posted to the website

Preventing, treating, and supporting recovery from behavioral health problems is essential for communities to be healthy, safe, and successful. Mayors and municipal leaders – in partnership with the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services - have an important role in providing leadership and support for their community's behavioral health needs.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released "Mayors' Resource Guide on Behavioral Health Issues." The guide, together with the Tri-County Board's 2014-2016 Strategic Plan, helps ensure that mayors and municipal leaders have the information they need to address the behavioral health needs of their community's children, adults, and families.