In an effort to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of substance abuse treatment services nationwide, the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is holding public hearings that address "Changing the Conversation: A National Plan to Improve Substance Abuse Treatment." The second of five public hearings being held in various locations around the country will be held on September 16, 1999, from 8:30 - 5:00 p.m., at the Loyola University, Water Tower Campus, Marquette Center in Chicago. Testimony will also be solicited from representatives of the surrounding states of Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Public testimony will be heard, and written comments are currently being accepted, on five specific areas related to funding for and access to service delivery systems, public attitudes and beliefs, and best practices and treatment methods for addressing substance abuse and addictions. The five issue areas include: 1) closing the treatment gap; 2) reducing stigma and changing attitudes; 3) improving and strengthening treatment systems; 4) connecting services and research; and, 5) addressing workforce issues. For additional information on how to register for the public hearing and instructions for submitting written comments, please visit the National Treatment Plan web site at www.NaTxPlan.org.

H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Director of CSAT will be joined by his Deputy Camille T. Barry, Ph.D., R.N., Melody Heaps, President, TASC, Inc., and Andrea Barthwell, M.D., President, Encounter Medical Group and Executive Director, BRASS Foundation.

"CSAT is very encouraged about the prospects of this public hearing," said Dr. Clark. "Our goal is to develop a series of solid recommendations that support the National Strategy developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, particularly in the areas of substance abuse demand reduction," he added. "CSAT wants to focus attention on the need for more and improved drug and alcohol treatment."

In addition to the public hearings, CSAT has convened five expert panels to produce a comprehensive report reflective of their findings and recommendations. The deliberations of the expert panels will also be influenced by the feedback obtained from the Hartford, Connecticut, public hearing held in July; this public hearing and future hearings planned for Portland, Oregon, and Washington, DC, in October; and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, in November. The report will be the foundation to guide national programs and policy for CSAT, as well as the entire substance abuse treatment field.

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA, a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead federal agency for improving the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment and mental health services in the U.S.