Grant targets substance abuse
Dr. Michael Gomila and Dr. Sue Austin, of the state Office of Behavioral Health, have received a $3 million federal grant for the development of adolescent substance abuse treatment in Louisiana.
They have received a State Adolescent Treatment Enhancement and Dissemination Grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
The award also covers development of a blueprint for policies, procedures, and financing structures that can be used to widen the use of evidence-based substance abuse practices in Louisiana.
“This grant has the potential to drastically improve the quality of care that is offered by our current substance abuse professionals. It will introduce them to latest research-driven models of care, ultimately saving our children from lives filled with addictions,” said Gomila, the primary grant author, in a news release.
Through its work with two providers, the Office of Behavioral Health hopes to not only improve substance abuse assessment and treatment services for adolescents and their families, but also to identify barriers to access to treatment and test solutions that can be applied throughout the state.