The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced last month the creation of a technical assistance center and help line to support state efforts to provide effective treatment services for persons with co-occurring substance abuse and other mental disorders.

The center, called the Co-Occurring Center for Excellence, will help identify best practices in treating individuals with dual diagnoses and will support the application of these practices through technical assistance and cross-training, state-of-the-art materials, and a Web site.

Assistance will be available to all states and to substance abuse, mental health, criminal justice, education, and other social and public health systems seeking to enhance their ability to serve individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Requests for technical assistance must be made in writing and sent by mail to Jill Hensley, Project Director, Co-Occurring Center for Excellence, 5530 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1600, Chevy Chase, Md. 20815, or by e-mail to samhsacoce@cdmgroup.com. Those with questions regarding these services should call (301) 951-3369. ▪