Message from the Office of Science Policy and Communications, National Institute on Drug Abuse/National Institutes of Health
Yesterday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the release of the new HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy, designed to increase access to the full range of care and services for individuals who use substances that cause overdose, and their families. This new strategy focuses on the multiple substances involved in overdose and the diverse treatment approaches for substance use disorder, and it prioritizes four key target areas:
- Primary prevention
- Harm reduction
- Evidence-based treatment
- Recovery support
For more information on the strategy, see:
- Press release: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/10/27/hhs-secretary-becerra-announces-new-overdose-prevention-strategy.html
- Overdose Prevention Strategy Website: https://www.hhs.gov/overdose-prevention/
- Overdose Prevention Strategy Issue Brief: https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/overdose-prevention-strategy
- Video from NIDA Director Dr. Volkow on the Overdose Prevention Strategy and NIDA-supported research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZZWTs3_IEA
In addition, HHS is seeking public comment on its Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026. This document articulates how the Department will achieve its mission through five strategic goals. Each goal is supported by objectives and strategies. These five strategic goals are:
- Protect and Strengthen Equitable Access to High Quality and Affordable Health Care
- Safeguard and Improve National and Global Health Conditions and Outcomes
- Strengthen Social Well-being, Equity, and Economic Resilience
- Restore Trust and Accelerate Advancements in Science and Research for All
- Advance Strategic Management to Build Trust, Transparency, and Accountability
The strategic planning consultation process is an opportunity for the Department to refine and strengthen the HHS Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026. HHS looks forward to receiving your comments through November 7.
Please find the Draft HHS Strategic Plan here, along with instructions on how to comment.
