English

Behavioral Health Equity Fact Sheet

12 pages. March 2024. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the federal agency charged with leading public health and service delivery efforts in behavioral health. SAMHSA’s mission is to promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and improved outcomes for all populations. As emphasized in SAMHSA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan , the agency’s work is guided by the core principles of equity, trauma-informed approaches, recovery, and a commitment to data and evidence. The equity principal builds upon Executive Order 13985 Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government that defines “equity” as the consistent and systematic, fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including those who belong to underserved communities that have often been denied such treatments. Behavioral health care systems must expand their ability to effectively meet the growing needs of a diverse population. Improving access to care, promoting qual- ity programs and practice, and reducing persistent disparities in mental health an

Sign in with your free account to read, download EPUBs or listen.