What Does “Investing in Substance Abuse Services” Mean? Allison Colker
• The questions Alison asked were exactly what was needed.
• Served to set the stage for our state discussion of the need to make some difficult decisions.

A History of Drug Abuse and Addiction in the U.S. and Scientifically Reliable Information on the Internet. Sue Rusche
• Really enjoyed both of Sue’s presentations. She presented very useful information for us to reference in our state and work.
• Very interesting. Historical perspective is important. Placed present in context.

The Biology of Addiction and Public Policy. David Friedman
• Excellent information for the partners who didn’t have an abundance of substance abuse knowledge. Like the way it was presented as well as the information.
• This was truly a great presentation and one that I’m glad I could hear. Intriguing! Good research.

National Quality Forum Voluntary Consensus Standards. Jack Kemp
• Superior. Review of literature stimulates conversation.

Treatment: The Chronic Disease Model. Jack Kemp
• Mr. Kemp’s presentation provided helpful information in addressing the continuum of care for substance abusers—clinical and recovery support services are needed to keep the client engaged in treatment.
• Excellent presentation – easy to explain to others. New model for me.

Environmental Strategies to Prevent Substance Abuse, Save States Money. Joel Grube
• Very knowledgeable presenter.
• The data on underage drinking really got my attention.

Breakout Sessions
• I thought this time was fruitful for our state—facilitated communication enabled dialogue, ideas, and comments shared.
• Session was great. So many ideas and issues that more time for discussion and planning would be great!
• I thought our planning session was focused, productive, collaborative, informative, and very forthright and honest!
• I thought this session was very productive! Time with my team was so valuable—and other members said the same.
• I think we came up with a good, manageable plan. Facilitator was great—guided us along and asked the tough questions.
• Best part of the conference. Great goal planning session!

Treatment for Substance Use Disorders Makes Cents. Rita Vandivort
• Good overview of spending for substance abuse treatment and reform discussions – cost/benefit information very helpful.
• It was pretty packed with information. I will go through the data later for further review and understanding.

Criminal Justice Transformation: Saving Dollars, Preserving Public Safety. Ryan King
• Would be difficult to improve over Mr. King. He is very articulate—very knowledgeable and able to clearly communicate that knowledge to his audience. Keeps your interest—excellent speaker.

From Silos to Bridges: Aligning Medicaid with Cost Effective Treatment. John O’Brien
• Made a complex area more clear.
• Good. I’m a non-Medicaid guy and he made it understandable.

The Alchemy of Turning Substance Abuse Treatment into Gold. Joan Dilonardo
• Great presentation (Actually the best).

Why Should States Care about Funding Substance Abuse Programming? Ken Stark
• Good overview of a state that actually did some of the things we are talking about.
• A lot of spark and energy as a speaker.

Moderated Panel Discussion and Q&A. Rita Vandivort, Moderator
• Excellent panel—learned a lot—more time in panel discussions.
• Good exchange of information. I appreciate the “back and forth” discussion.

Overall Comments
• I admit, I have believed addiction was due to the personal choices people make, and was therefore intolerant to drug or alcohol addicted people—almost to the level of “they got what they deserved in life.” Because of this meeting, I am an advocate for those addicted—beginning with my own family.
• This was a great opportunity. Of particular value is a) presentation of information and b) gathering of state policy makers from different segments of government in one room to discuss.
• I wanted to come away with a commitment from our team to truly dedicate some time, energy, and planning to organizing a currently “scattered” set of substance abuse services. Got it!! Thanks.
• We have gained a lot of knowledge and information from a federal level and the data and links are great.
• I think we are motivated and energized to begin real action when addressing this issue of addiction.
• The goals we’ve outlined will help us move toward a more organized and focused system that will be poised to really kick in to high gear.
• Great info—great format—state action plans helpful.
• Well-organized. Excellent presenters. Like an immersion course for substance abuse. Everything you want to know in 2 ½ days or less? Wonderful basics to get the ball rolling!
• The disease management information and effects on the brain was really good information for me and the health care and Medicaid/ Medicare coverage was helpful and very interesting.
• I have been impacted by addiction in my family and I think if the research information, resources, and treatment now available would have/may have changed the outcomes of how our family dealt with it.
• Changed—mental illness/addiction is a chronic disease. Criminal system is not/should never be the place of treatment.
• Gave me a better understanding of the importance of integrating alcohol and drugs into “health.” The biology of addiction presentation provided clear and convincing evidence of the physical nature of addiction. Also, viewing addiction as a chronic disease was very helpful—a compelling argument.

Faculty and Staff

Sponsoring Faculty
Wake Forest School of Medicine
David Friedman, PhD
Director, Addiction Studies Program
Professor, Wake Forest School of Medicine
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

National Families in Action
Sue Rusche
Co-Director, Addiction Studies Program
President and CEO
National Families in Action Atlanta, Georgia

National Conference of State Legislatures
Anna Spencer
Partner, Addiction Studies Program
Program Manager
National Conference of State Legislatures
Washington, D.C.

Treatment Research Institute
Jack Kemp, MS
Partner, Addiction Studies Program
Senior Policy Associate
Treatment Research Institute
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Joan D. Dilonardo, PhD, RN
Olney, Maryland

Joel Grube, PhD
Director and Senior Research Scientist
Prevention Research Center
Pacific Institute on Research and Evaluation
Berkeley, California

Representative Ruth Kagi
Washington State Legislature
Olympia, Washington

Ryan S. King
Policy Analyst
The Sentencing Project
Washington, DC 20004

John O’Brien
Director
Resources for Recovery
Technical Assistance Collaborative
Provincetown, Massachusetts

Ken Stark
Director
Human Services Department
Snohomish County Human Services Department
Everett, Washington

Rita Vandivort-Warren, MSW
Public Health Analyst
Quality Improvement and Workforce
Development Branch
Division of Services Improvement
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services

Staff
Eric Dickerson
Controller and Office Manager
National Families in Action
Atlanta, Georgia

Matthew Gever
Policy Associate
National Conference of State Legislatures
Washington, DC

Teika M. Holloway
Secretary III
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Diane Joyner
Administrative Assistant
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Thursday, September 10

Friday, September 11

Saturday, September 12

• The BEST presentation during the conference.
• Not only a story of hope but one of action. Thank you for providing this personal perspective.
• I have a clearer understanding of drug and alcohol impact on families. Even in my own.
• Powerful story. Great legislator.
• Inspirational speaker—enjoyed her very much.

• Not only a story of hope but one of action. Thank you for providing this personal perspective.
• Appreciated the candor with which she presented her story. Hope she continues to do presentations of this type—a real role model for giving people a second chance.