Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117057

A. J. Ernst, PhD, LMSW-ACP, Texas Department of State Health Services, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, (512) 206-4763, AJ.Ernst@dshs.state.tx.us

This paper will describe the experiences of the State of Texas in implementing clinical and infrastructure innovations for COD that are supported by its Co-occurring State Incentive Grants (COSIG) initiative. The COSIGs are funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support systems improvement related to the treatment of COD. The 11 current COSIG grantee states work closely with the Co-occurring Center for Excellence (COCE) in the conceptualization, development, and pilot testing of COCE materials and are key users of these materials in State and local systems.

The Texas COSIG grant focuses on a variety of COD clinical and infrastructure innovations including: 1) financing a COD Coordinator to jointly represent the State Substance Abuse and Mental Health authorities, 2) integrating and evaluating best practices to improve services to clients with COD through web-based clinical client records (Behavioral Health Integrated Provider System), 3) building treatment capacity through a disease management approach in existing services, 4) ensuring minimum clinical competencies that address co-occurring disorders throughout substance abuse and mental health systems of care, and 5) development of COD specialist positions to assist providers as they transition towards system-wide COD competencies. How the selection of these innovations was informed by an understanding of evidence-based practice for persons with COD will be discussed.

The paper will provide case histories of the implementation of these innovations including the implementation process, barriers to change, how these barriers are being addressed, and lessons learned that can be applied in other States.

Learning Objectives:

• See overall session abstract

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Federal Initiatives

Related Web page: www.coce.samhsa.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.