Elinore F. McCance-Katz, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. Dr. McCance-Katz works across federal agencies to address the behavioral health priorities identified by Health and Human Services Secretary Thomas E. Price, M.D., including the opioid epidemic and supporting individuals with serious mental illness.
Dr. McCance-Katz has extensive experience working with individuals living with mental and substance use disorders. She is board-certified in general psychiatry and in addiction psychiatry. She previously served as Chief Medical Officer at SAMHSA. Most recently she worked with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals as the Chief Medical Officer.
Her experience in federal and state agencies and as a medical professional, academic, and government official provides the perspective and leadership that will promote behavioral health and address key challenges at the federal level and the many communities supported by SAMHSA.
The new position and Office of the Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use were established by a directive under the 21st Century Cures Act that was passed by Congress in 2016. The policy also supports behavioral health program quality improvements, strategic planning, and various advisory councils.
The post Dr. McCance-Katz Appointed Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use appeared first on .