CADCA Submits Comments on Draft HHS Plan

CADCA recently commented on the draft strategic plan for FY 2010 – 2015 for the Department of Health and Human Services and posted its comments on the HHS website.

To view these comments and the strategic plan, click here .

While CADCA applauded HHS for much of its strategic plan, it also urged HHS to recognize that explicit substance use/abuse prevention programming and dedicated funding must be a major and discrete priority for federal emphasis and funding within the Department of HHS. Given the recent decreases in perception of harm (whether or not you think a drug is dangerous) and increases in youth drug use, CADCA explained that it is critical now, more than ever to sharpen the focus on substance abuse prevention efforts within HHS.

In its comments, CADCA also emphasized the need to build on the effective, existing substance abuse prevention infrastructure at the community and state levels, including the Drug Free Communities program, the STOP Act Community Based Coalition Enhancement grants, and the Strategic Prevention Framework.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Kelly Lieupo, Director of Public Policy at klieupo@cadca.org. To see other comments that have been posted regarding the draft HHS plan, go to http://www.hhs.gov/open/discussion/strategicplan.html#visitor_comments .