National strategy recommendations

Develop an early identification campaign for developmental delays

Prevention, Early Intervention, & Youth
Emergency & Crisis Response
Topics
Public Awareness
SUD Crisis
social determinants of health
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Population
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Coverage & Standards
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Federal department
Health and Human Services
house committees
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senate committees
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Recommendation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should develop an early identification campaign for mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUDs) that is similar to the agency’s "Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program," which focuses on learning and knowing the signs of developmental delays in children.[1]

Background/summary

Nearly one in three adults have a mental health or substance use disorder (MH/SUD), yet many do not receive any treatment.[2] Screenings and assessments are critical to identifying MH/SUDs and increasing early treatment.[3] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a program, “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” that provides support materials for parents on childrens’ developmental stages so they can better identify developmental delays.[4] In addition, the program provides a tracker for parents to monitor developmental milestones, and resources are available in case there is a concern for developmental delays.[5] A similar program should be developed so family members and caregivers can be aware of the signs of an MH/SUD that may be developing so that they can seek care for their loved ones.[1]

citations

1. CEO Alliance for Mental Health. A Unified Vision for Transforming Mental Health and Substance Use Care. Last Accessed July 27, 2023.

2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021. Last Accessed January 4, 2023.

3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders. Last Accessed March 2020.

4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program. Last Accessed February 14, 2023.

5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Last Accessed June 6, 2023.

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