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This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

December 2004

Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress, Disaster Mental Health Programs CMHS disaster mental health programs are conducted by the Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Services Branch of the Federal Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this Branch of CMHS is responsible for assessing, promoting, and enhancing the resilience of Americans in times of crisis. The Branch disseminates mental health information about disasters and traumatic events in print and on the Internet. 2005 Joint National Conference on Mental Health Block Grant and National Conference on Mental Health Statistics Transformation currently is a driving force throughout the entire mental health field. The major goal is to create a recovery and resiliency oriented care system that is consumer and family focused. This Conference will represent a departure from the past. The Conference will explore mental health transformation at the local, State, national, and international levels. Evidence-Based Practices: Shaping Mental Health Services Toward Recovery The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and its Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) are pleased to introduce six Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Resource Kits to encourage the use of evidence-based practices in mental health. The Kits were developed as one of several SAMHSA/CMHS activities critical to its science-to-services strategy. We expect to identify additional practices for future Kits. Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Program Spotlight: Homelessness By current estimates, as many as 700,000 Americans are homeless on any given night (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 1999). An estimated one-fourth of these people have serious mental illnesses, and more than one-half have an alcohol and/or drug problem (National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness, 2001). People who are homeless and have mental illnesses need a broad range of services. The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) supports programs to assist people with mental illnesses who are homeless in obtaining treatment and other services while making the transition from homelessness. Seasonal Depression Awareness Month - December 2004 As the seasons change and the days get shorter, some people may develop symptoms of depression. Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that occurs based on seasonal changes in sunlight. Symptoms include increased sadness, feeling anxious, feeling sluggish, irritability, changes in appetite, and sleeping for long periods of time. These symptoms can be severe enough to affect quality of life. World AIDS Day - December 1, 2004 World AIDS Day is a worldwide, annual observance to raise public awareness and educate people about HIV and AIDS and to fight the prejudice associated with those who have the disease. This year's theme, "Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS," focuses attention on the many different ways in which HIV and AIDS affects women.