Greetings from the Chair

Linda M. Bosma, PhD

Since our winter newsletter, your ATOD Section Leadership has been busy preparing for two important upcoming meetings:  our annual conference in Washington, D.C., and the meeting later this June in Chicago on the Affordable Care Act/Health Reform. 

Implementing Health Reform:  The ATOD Section will be well represented in Chicago with several Section leaders attending.  Our goal is to continue to emphasize the need for health reform to focus on ATOD issues across the continuum from prevention to treatment to recovery.  We hope to network with others to encourage a strong emphasis on behavioral health in Affordable Care Act implementation. For more info, contact the ATOD Health Reform Workgroup headed by Kathye Gorosh, at kgorosh@newageservices.org.

ATOD Section Midyear Program & Business meetings:  Our midyear meetings were a big success!  Members met in D.C. to finalize abstract selection and the fall program.  (See more from Program Chair Lawrence Brown in this issue of the newsletter.)  Our business meeting featured a great discussion with David Mineta, deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, to explore ways the Section can collaborate with ONDCP as it emphasizes a public health approach. The meeting also included a health reform presentation by Becky Vaughn, CEO, State Associations of Addiction Services.

Fall conference in Washington, D.C.:  Start planning now for the fall conference in D.C.!  The ATOD Section will feature a wealth of information on the latest issues in our field.  Hotel rooms get booked fast in D.C., so make your reservations soon!  All ATOD sessions, business meetings, and social events will be located in the Washington Convention Center this year, making it handy to the Mix-and-Mingle Lounge and all hotels.

Next 25 Years Campaign:  Check Amber Thornton Bullock’s article in this newsletter for the Section’s Next 25 Years Campaign!  Amber is our new Fundraising Chair — here’s your chance to support the Section and be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate to the APHA Bookstore!

Thanks to everyone for your great work — the Section is blessed with so many great leaders who volunteer their time, energy and expertise.  We encourage you to get involved and join our efforts!