SAMHSA Announces First Science and Service Award Winners

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has selected 20 organizations to receive the agency’s inaugural Science and Service Awards. These awards recognize exemplary implementation of evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat mental illnesses and substance abuse.
The new annual awards program provides recognition to public sector organizations and community-based groups and coalitions that have worked to improve their communities and the lives of individuals by providing the best services possible.
“The success that these organizations have demonstrated and the positive impact that they’ve had on individuals and families is visible proof of the importance and direct benefit of using the latest strategies to prevent and treat mental illnesses and substance abuse in our communities,” said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D.
Four awardees were chosen in each of five categories: substance abuse prevention; treatment of substance abuse and recovery support services; mental health promotion; treatment of mental illness and recovery support services; and co-occurring disorders. 
The 20 awardees were selected based on independent reviews of 115 applications, as well as site visits. To be eligible for an award, an organization had to demonstrate successful implementation of a recognized evidence-based intervention, including interventions that have been published in the scientific literature and/or appear on a federal or state registry. Awards were made to the following organizations:
Ohio:
Central Clinic, Court Clinic, Cincinnati – received an award in the treatment of substance abuse and recovery support services category for implementing Helping Women Recover and Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment.

Treatment of Substance Abuse and Recovery Support Services Programs

Central Clinic/Court Clinic
Alternative Interventions for Women Program
Helping Women Recover & Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment
513-558-5808 (Central Clinic)
513-651-9300 (Alternative Interventions for Women)
http://www.CentralClinic.org
A need was identified in Cincinnati, Ohio for sentencing alternatives for women, reduced recidivism, and decreases in jail overcrowding. A collaborative effort was formed to coordinate the criminal justice, mental health, and substance abuse systems to overcome system barriers and provide appropriate services for offenders. The Alternative Interventions for Women melds two evidence-based models – Helping Women Recover and Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment – to meet the unique needs of these female clients. A strong collaborative partnership is essential to the program’s success. An integral component of this collaborative model is monthly data analysis and outcome measurement to maximize quality assurance and solve problems. A process evaluation assesses client improvement and program effectiveness at fixed intervals throughout the project and client outcomes are assessed at the beginning and completion of program. Rates of client recidivism are tracked for a three-year period. Outcome data show reductions in symptoms, decreased substance abuse, decreased recidivism, improved family functioning, and reductions in the number of children needing out of home care.

You can read the entire press release at the following link:
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0709104444.aspx