The COMPA Bulletin

Volume II, Issue 1 January 24, 2002

Contents:

1. Opioid Treatment Accreditation Moves Forward
2. Survey Finds Increased Demand For Treatment Since 9-11
3. Governor Launches Hope And Recovery Campaign
4. Disaster Assistance Resources
5. Congress Finalizes Fy 2002 Appropriations
6. Excerpts from the 2002-2003 NYS Executive Budget
7. Budget Proposal Criticized By Chemical Dependency Advocates
8. Alcohol Awareness Month is Coming
9. Conference And Training Opportunities
10. Meeting Notices
11. About COMPA

OPIOID TREATMENT ACCREDITATION MOVES FORWARD

On May 18, 2001 new Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 291, 42 CFR Part 8) governing opioid treatment programs took effect. As a result of these new regulations, oversight responsibility for opioid treatment programs, which include both methadone treatment programs and inpatient detoxification units, has been transferred from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and the old inspection-focused regulations were replaced with a accreditation model which relies on opioid specific accreditation surveys performed by independent organizations utilizing standards developed by CSAT.

As a first step in the transition process, opioid treatment programs had to submit an application to CSAT last summer. Programs that did so were then granted transitional status pending completion of the accreditation process. CSAT has now identified four accrediting bodies: JCAHO, CARF, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, and the State of Washington. Information and applications from each accrediting body were mailed to each program with transitional status in early January. Programs must now select an accrediting body and submit an application to them for an accreditation survey.

Please note that a separate application must be completed for each methadone and detoxification program unit, including those methadone programs accredited as part of the CSAT demonstration project. Once an application has been submitted, programs that participated in the demonstration project can then submit a request to CSAT, with a copy of their final report and accreditation certificate, asking to be moved from transitional to certified status. Survey applications must be submitted no later than March 4, 2002. Under CSAT regulations, accreditation surveys must then be completed by May 19, 2003, although it is our understanding that CSAT is willing to grant extensions to the end of 2003 if requested. CSAT has also entered into contract with JBS for technical assistance and has provided funds to each accrediting entity in order to reduce the costs of the initial round of surveys, with discounts expected in the vicinity of $3,000.

For methadone treatment programs deciding to be accredited by JCAHO, the survey process will involve a two day focused survey for the first three programs operated by a single agency, then another day for each additional program. The survey process for crisis service (detox) units will involve a one day focused survey, ideally at the same time as the hospital’s regularly scheduled survey. Surveyors will utilize a separate grid and decision-making process regarding accreditation of individual programs. However, JCAHO has decided that there is a parent/child relationship between programs and the sponsoring hospitals, and as such is apparently working out a mechanism where decisions related to OTPs will be factored into the overall hospital surveys. JCAHO surveys will utilize the standards contained within the JCAHO Behavioral Health Manual, plus Appendix B (Standards and Expanded Intents and Scoring for Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs) and the Environment of Care / Patient Safety standards.

More information regarding the approved accrediting bodies may be obtained by contacting:

Bettye Harrison at CARF, 520-318-1129 or http://www.carf.org/CARF

Stephanie Pacinella at COACFS, 212-797-1428 or http://www.coanet.org

Sharon Dow at JCAHO, 202-783-6655 ext. 17 or http://www.jcaho.org

David Curts at Washington DASA, 360-438-8056 or http://www.app2.wa.gov/dshs/dasa

SURVEY FINDS INCREASED DEMAND FOR TREATMENT SINCE 9-11

New York, NY - Thirteen states and four cities have detected an increased demand for alcohol and drug treatment since September 11th, according to a telephone survey of the individuals who oversee offices of substance abuse services in the states, the District of Columbia and the ten largest U.S. cities conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)* at Columbia University. Of the 41 states that responded to the survey, 13 detected an increase in demand for treatment since September 11th (Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee). Of the eight cities that responded to the survey, four, Washington D.C., New York City, Phoenix and Houston, detected an increased demand for substance abuse treatment. Four states and New York City characterized the increase as substantial.

"The Americans who are using drugs and alcohol to cope, or have relapsed from sobriety after the national tragedy, are the forgotten victims of September 11th," said Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA President and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. "We must provide substance abuse treatment for those who need it, and be sensitive to the increased likelihood of substance abuse and relapse in the wake of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks."

Research demonstrates that exposure to trauma puts an individual at four to five times greater risk of substance abuse, and stress is considered the number one cause of relapse to alcohol and drug abuse and addiction and smoking. Oklahoma experienced a dramatic increase in the need for treatment services in the two years following the bombing. One year after the bombing, three times as many residents of Oklahoma City reported increased drinking as those in a control community (Indianapolis). Rescue workers in Oklahoma City experienced elevated rates of substance abuse, depression and suicide.

"The greater magnitude and more intense national reach of the terrorism of September 11th, combined with the higher base rates of drug abuse in major cities, such as New York and Washington, D.C., suggest that the increase in the need for substance abuse treatment will be much greater than in the wake of Oklahoma City," said Califano.

Preliminary data already document increased substance use and treatment needs. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services reports that demand for alcohol and drug treatment in New York City increased immediately after the World Trade Center attacks. Preliminary national data from the Drug Evaluation Network System (DENS), developed by CASA and the University of Pennsylvania's Treatment Research Institute, show that treatment admissions have increased 10 to 12 percent nationally, post-disaster clients are older and have more complex needs, and individuals who have been sober for as long as 24 months are relapsing and being admitted into treatment.

"It is imperative that the federal government provide increased funding for drug and alcohol treatment to serve these individuals who have become victims of this September 11th tragedy," said Califano. "It is also critical that we launch a public education campaign to spread the message that stress places individuals at higher risk for alcohol and drug abuse and relapse. In this trying time, everyone, especially physicians, mental health providers and clergy, must be alert to the symptoms of substance abuse, aware that many individuals experiencing trauma and stress may be using alcohol and drugs to self-medicate their distress, and encourage these individuals to seek substance abuse treatment."

Though CASA was unable to obtain responses from all states, it is interesting to note that none of the western states surveyed reported an increased demand for treatment. New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and New York City, the areas closest to the attacks, all reported increased demand for treatment. Florida, the site of the first reports of anthrax, also reported an increased demand for substance abuse treatment.

Forty-one states and eight cities responded to CASA's survey. Thirteen states reported increased demand (Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee). Alaska, Kentucky, North Dakota and Tennessee characterized the increase as substantial. Four cities reported increased demand (Houston, New York City, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.). New York City characterized the increase as substantial. Twenty-one states did not see an increase in demand for treatment (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming); four cities did not see an increased demand (Detroit, Philadelphia, San Antonio and San Diego). Seven states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas) and one city (Chicago) did not know whether there was an increased demand for treatment. CASA was unable to obtain responses from nine states (California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia and Wisconsin) and two cities (Dallas and Los Angeles).

Governor’s Office, Albany, January 18, 2002 - Governor George E. Pataki today launched New York State's Hope and Recovery campaign, a statewide recovery effort to assist those individuals in need of drug and alcohol services following the traumatic attack on the World Trade Center. "Since September 11, New Yorkers have grown stronger, more unified in their courage, compassion and spirit to heal one another," Governor Pataki said. "As we continue to work toward recovery, it is important to let those individuals who are experiencing trauma, grief and alcohol and drug related problems know that there are programs available."

The campaign will feature broadcast, cable television and radio advertisements designed to help prevent alcohol and substance abuse problems that may develop among New York's citizens, particularly within New York City and the surrounding counties. Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Jean Somers Miller said, "The Hope and Recovery campaign provides a clear message of hope for those individuals and their loved ones, who are painfully suffering as a result of the terror and loss experienced from the terrorist attack. Echoing the campaign's theme, 'Let's Recover Together,' we are working hard to provide the best quality of care to individuals who are now in even greater need of substance abuse services."

Former Golden Gloves boxing champion Gerry Cooney is the campaign's spokesperson for the TV public service announcements. Mr. Cooney sends a message to the public that they are not alone in their struggle to overcome the effects of the tragedy and there is support available by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-522-5353.  The OASAS funded information and referral line operates seven days a week from 8 am to 10 pm and has both English and Spanish speaking operators available to help.

In addition to the Hope and Recovery campaign, the state has enhanced services since September 11 by making available: additional treatment services which provide increases in  clinic hours of operation including early morning, night and weekend coverage; expanded services to new locations; and additional group and individual therapy sessions; increased support and activities for the community and school-based prevention programs which include individual counseling, class discussions, family visits, community  meetings, preparation for and participation in memorial services; support for critical incident debriefings, workplace services and counselor training;  treatment triage centers which provide intervention, identification and referral services at the location where the affected people are the most comfortable; dissemination of printed materials on the interrelationship of stress, alcohol and substance use and abuse and healthful ways to work toward recovery.

Research has shown that after suffering a trauma, such as the World Trade Center bombing, some people suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, and will resort to self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. These studies show that the percentage of survivors who use alcohol to cope with the aftermath of a disaster ranged from 13-40 percent. Nearly 40 percent of survivors use also medication to numb their pain. OASAS has available approximately 450 prevention programs in 2,700 sites within the schools and communities, as well as over 1,200 treatment programs serving approximately 110,000 individuals on any given day.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

Disaster assistance is available for those who lost someone in the World Trade Disaster and those who have been affected at the NYC Family Assistance Center, located at 51 Chambers Street in Manhattan. The Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, disaster assistance is available for those affected by the WTC disaster by virtue of their living or working in Lower Manhattan at the FEMA Disaster Assistance Center located at 141 Worth Street. Hours currently are Monday - Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturdays, the Center will be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Please note that application deadlines for those needing assistance are rapidly approaching.

Twin Towers Job Center

Twin Towers Job Centers have been established to help those displaced or unemployed as a result of the World Trade Center tragedy find temporary or permanent jobs and other benefits. These centers provide job search and employment services: access to phone lines, fax machine, Internet access, resume preparation, and connections to available jobs through job banks.

The centers are at the following locations:

The NYC Department of Public Health, working in cooperation with the Mental Health Association, has established a 24 hours per day/7 days per week mental health counseling, information and referral line in English, Spanish, and in Chinese to assist those who are experiencing emotional distress in the aftermath of the World Trade Center disaster.

The OASAS funded information and referral line (1-800-522-5353) is now available from 8 am to 10 pm seven days a week. Callers from outside New York State should contact the Educational Alliance at 212-982-8130. The operators are skilled in providing information and referrals.

CONGRESS FINALIZES FY 2002 APPROPRIATIONS

The 107th Congress has finally passed the majority of the FY 2002 appropriations bills that fund many of the programs of interest to our field.  Thanks to your advocacy, funding levels have increased across the board for substance abuse prevention, treatment and research programs. 

The following table summarizes the amount of money appropriated for FY 2002 and compares it with that appropriated for FY 2001.

EXCERPTS FROM THE 2002-2003 NYS EXECUTIVE BUDGET

Caring for New Yorkers With Special Needs

Released by Governor George Pataki, January 2002

During the past seven years, programs serving New Yorkers with special needs have been among the highest of the Governor's priorities. His initiatives have renewed the State's long-standing tradition of leadership in caring for those with mental and developmental disabilities and chemical dependencies.

The 2002-03 Executive Budget maintains the Governor's strong commitment to removing barriers that obstruct successful community living for adults and children with mental illness through Kendra's Law, as well as through the continued expansion of services and housing opportunities. The Budget also provides developmentally disabled New Yorkers with highly individualized services appropriate to their needs, with an emphasis on choice and consumer satisfaction. Importantly, the Executive Budget fully maintains the Governor's commitment to NYS-CARES. It also makes continued progress toward eliminating the fragmentation of services that has long hampered treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse.

During the past seven years, State funding to support programs serving people with mental disabilities has increased by three-quarters of a billion dollars. In particular, State aid programs supporting community-based services have increased by more than 50 percent. The 2002-03 Budget supports total spending of more than $5 billion for the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services -- a $256 million, or 5.4 percent increase from 2001-02. Improving Chemical Dependence Treatment

Legislation signed into law by Governor Pataki established a single program network for chemically dependent individuals that eliminated the inequities and inefficiencies of the previously separate alcoholism and substance abuse systems. Building on this legislation, the 2002-03 Executive Budget recommends two key initiatives to improve treatment outcomes for those with chemical dependencies.

1. Consolidated Reimbursement for Chemical Dependence Services: The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) will institute a new, consolidated Medicaid reimbursement structure by April 2002, which will replace the separate payment systems previously used for alcoholism and drug treatment. Recognizing the special needs of individuals with multiple addictions, the Office will issue new service standards and implement a new reimbursement methodology, both of which will help ensure better access to treatment as well as more effective use of existing resources. The Budget also provides nearly $5.7 million in Federal funding for special transitional grants during the next 18 months to help eligible providers adapt to the new reimbursement structure.

2. Community-Based Detoxification Services: OASAS, in conjunction with the Department of Health, will institute a new Medicaid reimbursement structure that will allow for the provision of alcohol and drug detoxification services within existing, licensed community-based treatment programs. This will offer an additional alternative to inpatient detoxification services, and will result in improved client outcomes since the chemical dependence programs will provide linkages to on-going addiction treatment.

2002-2003 Budget Summary for the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services

All Funds ($000s)

Prior Year Estimated Spending $471,182

Cost of continuing current programs 10,703

Open beds previously authorized 553

Administrative efficiencies (9,691)

Recommendation $472,747

Change From 2001-02 $1,565

NYS BUDGET PROPOSAL CRITICIZED BY ADVOCATES

(Albany, NY, January 22, 2002) The New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, Inc. (ASAP) expressed concern today that the Governor’s budget proposal fails to provide the support necessary to preserve existing service levels. "At a time when there is growing sentiment in communities throughout New York State that treatment and prevention are a good investment, and there is a willingness on the part of tax payers to increase support for these vital services, the Governor has again proposed a budget that decreases the State’s aid to localities for these important services", said John Coppola, Executive Director.

Contained in the Governor’s budget is a new Medicaid rate for outpatient services that has been described by treatment providers as inadequate because it does not cover the full cost of providing outpatient treatment. Under the proposal, rates for outpatient alcohol treatment will rise while rates for outpatient 1035 substance abuse treatment will drop considerably. "While ASAP applauds the Governor’s move to increase alcohol clinic rates which have been stagnant for almost a decade, we are concerned that the rates proposed by the Governor will not cover the cost of providing the services." said Veronica Uss, Chairperson of ASAP’s Public Policy Committee. Recognizing the difficulty that some clinics will have with the new rate system, the Governor did include in his budget $5.7 million to address short-term fiscal problems that will impact programs whose rates decrease. "It is a concern to the field that more than 1 in 5 programs will see a decrease in their rates," said Ira Marion, ASAP Public Policy Co-chair. "The new rates should be increased to cover cost and a trend factor should be included so that the rate will continue to cover costs over time." Marion added.

Treatment and prevention providers are concerned about increases in alcohol and other drug consumption since September 11th. Noting the increase in consumption and an unexpected increase in the demand for treatment that occurred after the Oklahoma City bombing, Coppola expressed frustration that New York State is not prepared for the increased demand arising from the September terrorist attack. "Alcohol consumption is spiking", said Coppola, "We are already seeing an increased demand for services". Coppola suggested that, in these times of limited resources, the alcohol beverage tax should be increased and used to fund treatment and prevention.

Kathleen Riddle, Chairperson of ASAP’s Workforce Committee, commended the Governors recent healthcare initiative that benefited hospital workers and other healthcare staff. Riddle noted that, "Treatment and prevention professionals are poorly paid and as a result staff recruitment and retention are our single biggest management and client care concerns". Ms. Riddle also noted that it is increasingly hard for programs to meet regulatory staffing requirements because so many workers are leaving the field.

The Governor’s proposed budget also includes a community-based detoxification initiative that would create an alternative to expensive hospital-based services. This initiative is estimated to save the state between $7.5 and $10 million. "ASAP has supported this proposal by the Governor for the past three years and is optimistic that persons who are addicted will be better served." said Eileen Pencer ASAP President. "It is unfortunate, however, that the Governor failed to reinvest these savings to strengthen treatment and prevention services", she added.

ASAP members are concerned that prevention and early intervention services were cut at a time when there is an unprecedented need for school and community-based prevention services. Coppola pointed out that ASAP was also concerned that there are no resources in the Governors budget to cover new demand that may arise if the Rockefeller Drug Laws are reformed. "It is critical that the Senate and Assembly address gaps in the Governor’s budget", said Coppola.

ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH IS COMING

From the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.. 1-16-02 - Each April, the National Council on Alcoholism sponsors a campaign to raise public awareness about alcoholism and other alcohol-related problems. "Recovery: It's a Family Affair and Everyone's Invited!" will be the theme of the annual campaign in April 2002. This grassroots campaign will encourage local communities to focus on the part that family plays in recovery from alcoholism. Families need and want help. According to the Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, more than nine million children live with a parent dependent on alcohol and/or illicit drugs, and more than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking. Alcoholism affects a wide circle of people close to the alcoholic: relatives, friends, neighbors, employers, co-workers, classmates, teachers, doctors, community workers, and is closely linked to many of America's most difficult social problems, including crime, homelessness, teen pregnancy and domestic violence. Alcoholism is not an issue of morality or "will power," it is a public health issue, and while families and friends often suffer many of the same consequences of alcoholism as the alcoholic, they are often overlooked when it comes to recovery.

Led by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1987, Alcohol Awareness Month begins with Alcohol Free Weekend, which takes place in 2002 from Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7. Parents and other adults are asked to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for a 72_hour period to demonstrate that alcohol isn't necessary to have a good time and NCADD will focus on youth planned and youth run Alcohol Free events. In addition, all family members are encouraged to take this opportunity to learn more about alcoholism and to investigate recovery throughout the month.

In addition, the National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) is on April 11, 2002. This is a national, one day outreach, education and screening event conducted by hospitals, clinics, treatment centers, colleges and primary care offices. NASD offers screening, education, intervention and referral to treatment for at risk drinking and a range of alcohol problems, including dependence. This year, an expanded focus provides information on how alcohol affects overall health and existing medical conditions. The program also provides information and guidance for those who are concerned about a friend or family member. Local programs implement the program with materials and guidelines provided by the NASD office. Funding from NIAAA, CSAT and CSAP allows Screening for Mental Health to offer National Alcohol Screening Day 2002 free of charge to all sites that agree to the following:

• Conduct the NASD event on April 11, 2002, in order to take advantage of national media coverage on that day, or conduct on another day during the month of April (Alcohol Awareness Month).
• Use the recommended guidelines for successful site implementation (procedure manual will be provided)
• Return copy of all Completed screening forms and the NASD site summary to the NASD office within two weeks of conducting the event.

NCADD operates a toll free Hope Line (800-NCA-CALL) for information and referral, and also coordinates a National Intervention Network (800-654-HOPE) to educate and assist the families and friends of addicted persons. For more information, visit: www.ncadd.org or contact: Ames Sweet at (212) 269-7797, ext. 16

CONFERENCE AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

On Thursday, Feb. 7th, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University in NYC is sponsoring a one day conference  called " Dangerous Liaisons: Substance Abuse and Sexual Behavior". It will be held in midtown Manhattan, 8:30 - 4:30. Top experts from around the country will be featured. The morning will discuss the connection between substance abuse and sex, incl. the neurology and physiology of the connection, how it affects sexual decision making and its consequences. Treatment and prevention options for high-risk, primarily adult populations affected by this connection will also be examined, including interventions for sex workers, sex offenders, the gay community, victims of sexual abuse and others. In the afternoon two panels will focus on issues related to substance abuse, sex, and teens. One panel will be composed entirely of teens and the second panel will be educators/clinicians and parents, etc. reacting to the issues raised in the teen panel. The conference fee is $175. If you would like a brochure or more conference information, email: swinkell@casacolumbia.org or call 212-841-5200.    

On Saturday, February 9^th, the American Liver Foundation will sponsor an educational seminar related to Liver Disease. Led by physicians or healthcare specialists, topics will include hepatitis prevention, Hepatitis C Treatment Options, Diet and Your Liver, HIV/HCV Co-Infection Treatment Options, and Social Security and Disability Benefits. The seminar will be held at The Reality House, 637 West 125^th Street, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.. Admission is free and lunch and materials will be provided. Call 212-943-1059 ext. 14 for registration or more information.

Sponsored by NIDA, this conference will be held on March 14 – 15, 2002 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. Teams of nationally recognized clinicians and researchers will conduct plenary presentations and workshops on topics such as: Drugs, Brain and Behavior; Innnovations in Behavioral Therapies; Co-Occurring Drug Abuse and Mental Illness; Gender Issues in Addiction; PTSD and Drug Abuse; Drug Treatment in the Criminal Justice System; and Craving and Relapse. The cost of the conference is $30 and lodging is available by calling the Grand Hyatt at 212-883-1234. On-line registration and conference information is available at www.mac1988.com/blendingnyc or by calling Melinda Gray at 301-468-3364.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

Friday, February 1, 2002 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

At OASAS Conference Room, 801 7^th Avenue (37^th Street), 8^th Floor

Guest Speaker – Mark Parrino, President of the American Methadone Treatment Association

Slate for new members to COMPA’s Board of Directors will also be presented and nominations will be accepted from the floor. All are welcome to attend.

ABOUT COMPA

The Committee of Methadone Program Administrators of New York State is a not-for-profit coalition representing New York State’s methadone treatment system which serves over 46,000 individuals suffering from opioid addiction and other substance abuse disorders.

Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing medical disorder, with serious consequences related to public health and safety. Methadone treatment has proven to be the most effective means of treating this disorder.

COMPA’s mission is to further the treatment of opioid addiction and other substance abuse disorders in order to address the medical, social and psychological consequences of use, prevent the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases, reduce criminal behavior, promote employment and self-sufficiency, and support the return to a healthy and productive lifestyle.

In order to support this mission, COMPA and its member organizations are committed to the promotion and expansion of methadone treatment through education of elected officials, providers, consumers, and the public at large. COMPA advocates for expanded models of service delivery, co-located services and consumer empowerment to provide increased access to treatment. COMPA supports enhanced services, a comprehensive continuum of care, the provision of high quality treatment and ongoing professional staff development. COMPA encourages the involvement of membership in the development of public policy, standards of care, and regulatory oversight.

Peter Coleman, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, President

Ira Marion, AECOM-Montefiore, Vice President

Johanne Morne, Whitney Young MMTP, Secretary

Richard Woytek, Long Island Jewish MMTP, Treasurer

Herbert Barish, Lower Eastside Service Center

Willard Campbell, Suffolk County Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services

Robert Krauss, Long Beach Hospital MMTP

Robert Sage, A.R.T.C.

Sheila Tierney, Crouse Hospital

Ira Wolfe, St. Luke’s Hospital

Henry Bartlett

COMPA has established this newsletter to ensure that New York State providers of opioid treatment services have an effective mechanism of communication which facilitates the dissemination of information, encourages dialogue and the adaptation of best practices, promotes staff development and retention, and assists in the effort to reduce stigma. The COMPA Bulletin includes information regarding best practices, research, demonstration projects, accreditation, training opportunities, conferences, and other items of interest to the field and will be distributed via email on a monthly basis.

COMPA encourages readers to submit news, articles, research, and other items of interest for possible inclusion. Submissions should be titled "COMPA Bulletin Submission" and directed to info@compa-ny.org.

Want to receive the COMPA Bulletin directly? Send your email address to us and we will be happy to add your name to our list. Addresses should be titled "Subscription List" and directed to info@compa-ny.org.

Past issues of the COMPA Bulletin are available on our web site www.compa-ny.com.

The COMPA Bulletin is compiled, written and distributed by:

The Committee of Methadone Program Administrators of NYS Inc.

250 Fifth Avenue, Suite 210

New York, N.Y. 10001

518-281-8965

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