NIMH: Antipsychotic Medications for Schizophrenia on Equal Footing in Improving Patients' Thinking Skills

Patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotic medications experience a small improvement in thinking and reasoning skills (neurocognition), but no one medication appears to be better than the others in improving these skills during the first two crucial months of treatment, according to the latest results from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials for Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE). The study was published in the June 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/catie_neurocog.cfm

NIMH Funds Research for Early Intervention in Childhood Bipolar Disorder

NIMH recently approved funding to test the effectiveness of an early intervention in children at high risk for developing bipolar disorder. Though early in the research process, the long-term goal of this study is to reduce or delay the development of bipolar disorder in at-risk youth, heading off the effects of the disorder before it disrupts healthy development and functioning.

Science update: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/councilgrant_miklowitz.cfm

NIH Study Tracks Brain Development in Some 500 Children across U.S.—First Report Looks at Intelligence, Behaviors from Ages 6-18

Children appear to approach adult levels of performance on many basic cognitive and motor skills by age 11 or 12, according to a new study coordinated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Study of Normal Brain Development is tracking brain and behavioral development in about 500 healthy American children, from birth to age 18. A report published online May 18, 2007 by the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society contains the first glimpse of behavioral data — covering IQ, motor dexterity, language, computation, and social skills — collected from children ages 6 to 18.

Press release: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2007/ninds-18.htm

NIDA Looks at Non-Injection Drug Use and Spread of HIV/AIDS—CDC estimates 250,000 Americans Unaware they are HIV-Positive

More than 500 scientists, clinicians and public health specialists met at NIH to discuss the latest research on drug abuse and the evolving epidemic of HIV/AIDS. This was the first-ever two-day public meeting at NIH to include a focus on non-injection drug use and HIV transmission. The meeting was being held in collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Press release: http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/07/NR5-08.html

VA Mental Health Experts Convene for Summit

To ensure returning combat veterans are receiving the latest, world-class mental health care, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is convening a four-day meeting in July of mental health clinicians and researchers from across the country. The upcoming meeting of mental health professionals will cover a wide range of issues, from integrating mental health services with primary care, to combat trauma, suicide prevention and the special needs of the newest generation of combat veterans.

Press release: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1336

OMH: Federal Health Leaders Unveil New Programs to Recruit More Minorities into Clinical Trials—Two Projects among First to Address Cultural/Linguistic Barriers

With mounting evidence that minorities and the poor are the least likely to have access to clinical trials, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) announced the inauguration of two complementary initiatives designed to accelerate the participation of underserved populations in these research studies. The two projects will provide new recommendations and materials for health professionals.

Press release: http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=5046&lvl=2&lvlID=40

HRSA Awards $2.9 Million for Family-to-Family Health Information Centers

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced 30 grants worth $2.9 million to support new and continued Family-to-Family Health Information Centers for parents of children and youth with special health care needs. Twenty-four new and six continuing statewide centers will each receive grants of $95,700 beginning June 1, 2007. Family-to-family centers employ parents of children with special health care needs who have experience navigating complex health care and social service systems to help other parents who may be facing similar circumstances.

Press release: http://newsroom.hrsa.gov/releases/2007/FamilyToFamilyAward.htm

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do (NIH 07-3518)

This booklet describes what parents can do to help children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters/parents.cfm

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Community Members Can Do (NIH 07-3519)

This booklet describes what community members can do to help children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters/community-members.cfm

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do (NIH 07-3520)

This booklet describes what rescue workers can do to help children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat//helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters/rescue-workers.cfm

New on the NIMH Website

Mapping the Landscape of Deployment Related Adjustment and Mental Disorders: A Working Group to Inform Research

A summary is available for this meeting convened by NIMH, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Research and Development, and the Department of Defense, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command to discuss progress and challenges in addressing deployment-related adjustment problems and mental disorders.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/scientificmeetings/2006/deployment-related-adjustment-may06.cfm

Dissemination and Implementation Research Workshop: Harnessing Science to Maximize Health

A summary is available of this meeting convened by NIMH and the National Cancer Institute to provide researchers the opportunity to discuss future submissions to the Trans-NIH Dissemination and Implementation Research Program Announcements entitled "Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health." A videocast of the meeting is also available.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/scientificmeetings/2007/dissemination-implementation-research.cfm

New on the NIDA Website

NIDA Science & Practice Perspectives

The latest issue of NIDA’s innovative, peer-reviewed journal for drug abuse researchers and treatment providers is available.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/perspectives/vol3no2.html

Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency

These new products are tailored for clinical supervisors to train front-line treatment providers to improve their motivational interviewing skills. It also includes a new package of tools designed to enhance patient engagement and retention.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/blending/MIASTEP.html

Promoting Awareness of Motivational Incentives

These tools provide information about the science-based intervention called motivational incentives (low or no-cost reinforcements such as vouchers, prizes and privileges) and describes how the use of positive reinforcement has reduced drug abuse and has enhanced client retention in treatment programs. http://www.drugabuse.gov/blending/PAMI.html

SAMHSA—New Resources

Updated Information Management Service

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) eNetwork is a new email service for the latest news about SAMHSA grants, publications, campaigns, programs, and statistics and data reports

http://www.samhsa.gov/enetwork/index.aspx

New Web Page for Veterans and Their Families

A new section of the SAMHSA’s website has been launched for veterans and their families. The website provides critical information on prevention, treatment and recovery support for mental and substance use disorders.

http://www.samhsa.gov/vets/

Screening and Assessment for Family Engagement, Retention, and Recovery

This new guidebook is designed to help staff of public and private agencies respond to families in the child welfare system who are affected by substance use disorders. http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17633

New Guide Helps Trauma Centers Identify and Treat Problem Drinking

This new guide helps health care professionals incorporate substance abuse treatment into trauma care. A collaborative effort for SAMHSA with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, along with the CDC, the NIAAA, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the guide supports efforts to integrate substance abuse treatment with primary and general care.

http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17652

It's My Time to Live: Journeys to Healing and Recovery

This new publication from the Center for Mental Health Service’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care provides an empirically derived conceptual framework for transformation and for sustaining recovery from trauma.

http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/nctic/itsmytimetolive_07.pdf

GAINS Center: US Jail Diversion Programs by County

The Center for Mental Health Services’ GAINS Technical Assistance and Policy Analysis Center for Jail Diversion maintains a database of counties that are operating at least one jail diversion program. This information is now presented in a map format.

http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/html/tapa/jail%20diversion/jd_map.asp

SAMHSA—New Reports from the Office of Applied Studies

Depression and the Initiation of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17

This short report, based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health presents the prevalence among youth of major depressive episode and the initiation of alcohol or illicit drug use.

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/newUserDepression/newUserDepression.cfm

Adolescent Treatment Admissions by Gender: 2005

Although girls ages 12-17 made up less than one-third of adolescent treatment admissions in 2005, they began treatment at a younger age than boys and were more likely to have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, according to this report.

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/youthTX/youthTX.cfm

Youth Activities, Substance Use, and Family Income

This short report based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides data on youth participation in activities by detailed age and family income, and indicates the association between such participation and alcohol, cigarette and illicit drug use.

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/youthActs/youthActs.cfm

FDA: Consumer Health Information for You and Your Family

This new web page provides comprehensive and timely consumer information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It presents important public health developments clearly and accurately in easy-to-read language. Users can also subscribe to a free monthly e-newsletter to learn about updates to the page.

http://www.fda.gov/consumer

OMH: Think Cultural Health —Bridging the Health Care Gap through Cultural Competency Continuing Education Programs

This Office of Minority Health website offers the latest resources and tools to promote cultural competency in health care. Health care providers may access free online courses accredited for continuing education credit.

http://www.thinkculturalhealth.org/

ACF: Foster Parenting Web Resource

This new section of the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Child Welfare Information Gateway website offers resources and statistics to help child welfare administrators, supervisors, caseworkers, foster parents, and prospective foster parents improve outcomes for children in foster care. Resources for professionals cover such topics as recruiting, retaining, and supporting foster parents. Resources for foster parents and prospective foster parents include answers to frequently asked questions and information on training and support.

http://childwelfare.gov/highlights/foster_parent/

DOJ: Tribal Justice and Safety in Indian Country

This online resource developed specifically for Indian country has been launched by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Indian country website provides a user-friendly, current, and comprehensive resource for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal governments to enhance the safety of their communities. The site also offers funding resources, grant opportunities and management information, civil rights laws, and other key documents.

http://www.tribaljusticeandsafety.gov/

CDC: Fatal Injuries Among Children by Race and Ethnicity United States, 1999–2002

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among U.S. children aged 1–19 years. Homicide is the second leading cause, and suicide is the fourth. This CDC report presents data for fatal injuries among children in the United States by race/ethnicity and mechanism of injury during 1999-2002. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5605a1.htm

GAO: Medicare Part D—Challenges in Enrolling New Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries

The General Accountability Office (GAO) analyzed 1) current challenges in identifying and enrolling new dual-eligible beneficiaries in Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs),

2) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) efforts to address challenges, and 3) federal and state approaches to assigning dual-eligible beneficiaries to PDPs.

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-272

NIDRR Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2005-09

The U.S. Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2005-09 is now available. The plan guides the work of NIDRR, the federal government's key agency for disability and rehabilitation research. It includes highlights of past NIDRR research, assesses emerging needs and sets new directions for the future.

http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html

Nominations for New Members of AHRQ National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is currently seeking nominations for seven new public members for its National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality, which advises the Secretary of HHS and the Director of AHRQ on matters related to actions of the Agency to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. AHRQ is seeking individuals who are distinguished in the conduct of research, demonstration projects, and evaluations with respect to health care; in the fields of health care quality research or health care improvement; in the practice of medicine or other health professions; in the private health care sector (including health plans, providers, purchasers) or administrators of health care delivery systems; in the fields of health care economics, information systems, law, ethics, business, or public policy; and in representing the interests of patients and consumers of health care.

Nominations are due June 15, 2007.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/07-2239.htm

Webcast: The Financial and Medical Benefits of Treatment for Health Care Providers and Insurers

June 6, 2007

This Center for Substance Abuse Treatment webcast will examine the insurance and health care benefits and options for individuals seeking treatment or individuals already in recovery from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. In addition, the show will examine the cost benefits to health care providers and insurers of investing in treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders, and will provide tips for screening, diagnosing, treating, or referring a patient with a substance use disorder.

http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=492

Teleconference: Some Quick Fixes for Backlogged Incompetency to Stand Trial Systems

June 7, 2007 2:00-3:30 pm EDT

Join the Center for Mental Health Service’s National GAINS Center's free teleconference for an informative look at the current crisis facing many states regarding the lack of capacity to provide inpatient beds for individuals found incompetent to stand trial. The presenters will: 1) provide a national overview of the scope of the problem, 2) identify procedures, which ameliorate the issues, and 3) recommend changes in funding, policy or law that may begin to resolve the current crisis in many states.

http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/html/resources/06_07_NetTeleconference.asp

2007 IHS/SAMHSA National Behavioral Conference—Weaving It All Together

Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 11-14, 2007

The purpose of this national conference sponsored by the Indian Health Service (IHS) and SAMHSA is to develop mental health, alcohol and substance abuse treatment and prevention discussions, recommendations, and opportunities for collaboration and coordination in the interest of behavioral health in Indian communities. Additionally the conference provides CEU training opportunities for behavioral health professionals in areas such as cultural competencies and ethics.

http://www.kauffmaninc.com/2007bhconference/

Teleconference: How States are Developing Strategic Financing Plans

June 21, 2007 1:00-2:30 pm ET

This conference call produced by SAMHSA’s National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health will describe critical financing strategies to build and support systems of care that are being explored in a study conducted by four organizations - the Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health at the University of South Florida, the National TA Center for Children's Mental Health at Georgetown University, Human Service Collaborative, and Family Support Systems.

http://gucchd.georgetown.edu/programs/ta_center/tacalls2007.html

Webcast: The Traumatic Experiences of Border and Immigrant Youth

June 28, 2007 2:00-3:30 pm ET

This call is a part of SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network Culture and Trauma Teleconference Series.

http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/nav.do?pid=ctr_top_train_tele_culsched

Webcast: Treatment and Recovery—Reducing the Burden on the Justice System and Society

July 5, 2007

This Center for Substance Abuse Treatment webcast will look at the relationship between addiction treatment and recovery and the criminal justice system. It will focus on both the practical and economic benefits to society from treating substance abuse and dependence issues surrounding the criminal justice system.

http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/w.aspx?ID=493

NIMH Annual International Research Conference on the Role of Families in Preventing and Adapting to HIV/AIDS

San Francisco, California, July 25-27, 2007

This NIMH conference is designed to present research findings on family processes and HIV disease. This year’s conference theme is “Responding to the Social Context of HIV Risk: The Role of Families and Support Networks.”

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/scientificmeetings/hivaids2007.cfm

Conference: Research for Native Health—Strengthening Partnerships, Promoting Trust, and Increasing Communication

Denver, Colorado, August 22-23, 2007

The U.S. DHHS' Office of Public Health and Science is hosting this conference to provide opportunities to improve the dialogue between Tribal Nations, academic scientists, government researchers, American Indian community representatives, policymakers, and funders regarding key issues involving human research, ethics, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Institutional Review Boards in tribal decision making.

http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=5042&lvl=1&lvlID=11

2007 Minority Women's Health Summit: Women of Color—Addressing Disparities, Affirming Resilience, and Developing Strategies for Success

Washington, DC, August 23-26, 2007

The U.S. DHHS Office on Women's Health is convening this Summit to address health disparities among women of color living in the United States. The goal of this Summit is to focus on the often unrecognized threats to health experienced by women of color, by

1) building on knowledge gained in previous conferences and identifying distinct health issues disproportionately impacting minority women; and 2) highlighting successful models of health promotion and prevention.

http://4women.gov/mwhs/

2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit—Creating a Culture of Wellness

Washington, DC, November 27-29, 2007

The U.S. DHHS’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the CDC will host this event to unite health professionals, business entrepreneurs, and government leaders at all levels who are dedicated to health promotion, chronic disease prevention, health preparedness, birth defects, disabilities, genomics, and wellness.

Abstract submissions are now being accepted through June 11, 2007 at: http://www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/index.htm

Expiration of the NIMH Minority Research Infrastructure Support Program (M-RISP) (R24): PAR-01-029

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-MH-07-111.html

Expiration of the NIMH Career Opportunities in Research Education and Training (COR) Honors Undergraduate Research Training Grant (T34): PAR-01-008

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-MH-07-112.html

Department of Education: Safe Schools-Healthy Students Initiative

http://www.ed.gov/programs/dvpsafeschools/applicant.html

HRSA: One-Year Rural Health Research Grant Program

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=13925&mode=VIEW

OJJDP FY2007 Expansion and Maintenance of the Model Programs Guide

http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/enews/07juvjust/070521.html

OJJDP FY 2007 High-Risk Youth Offender Reentry and Family Strengthening Initiatives

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=14021&mode=VIEW

OJJDP FY2007 Prevention and Intervention Programs

http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/enews/07juvjust/070523_3.html

OJJDP FY2007 Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Programs

http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/enews/07juvjust/070522.html

[Full listing of NIH RFAs at http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/index.html]

National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC) Data Coordinating Center (DCC) (U01) http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-08-020.html

National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC) Limited Competition (U01) http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-08-021.html

Mechanisms of HIV Neuropathogenesis: Emerging Domestic and Global Issues (R01) http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-08-030.html

Mechanisms of HIV Neuropathogenesis: Emerging Domestic and Global Issues (R21) http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-08-031.html

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