Terry Cline, PhD, is leaving the helm of SAMHSA for Iraq where he will coordinate American efforts to rebuild a health system. His temporary replacement, Rear Admiral Eric Broderick, D.D.S., a dentist, is an expert in oral health, and the Indian Health Service.
With a budget of $3.3 billion, SAMHSA is responsible for " improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's delivery systems to prevent substance abuse, treat addiction and provide mental health services."
In the past week, it has announced several new programs aimed to help veterans. In August it will convene mental health providers to work with returning veterans and their families. Another is a teleconference about mental health issues for women in the military. Women now constitute about 20 percent of new recruits and evidence suggests they are twice as likely to suffer PTSD as men.
