They identify, test, and evaluate cross-system service models to reach populations experiencing serious mental illnesses and those at risk of these illnesses. As this new knowledge about best practices is gained, knowledge development transforms into knowledge application, which discovers new ways to synthesize and disseminate comprehensive information about the newly identified best practices in selected topic areas. Through KDA, CMHS is helping States and communities address some of the most challenging issues facing the field. Background Substance abuse is one of the most serious problems facing American society. In the household population aged 12 and older in 1997, 13.9 million people were current users of an illicit drug.
Tobacco use remain unacceptably high.
The Nation as a whole pays the toll in the form of high health care costs, dangerous neighborhoods, and overcrowded criminal justice systems. The availability and use of effective substance abuse prevention services are a valuable demand reduction strategy. Effective service principles and program models, coupled with information on how to tailor programs for specific populations and how best to implement them in real-life settings, can yield successful results for users of substance abuse prevention services. CSAP Program Activity CSAP's Knowledge Development and Application efforts foster the development and use of comprehensive, culturally appropriate, science-based prevention strategies, policies, and systems that target both individuals and their environment. Specifically, knowledge development efforts test effective research-based models generated from prevention theory, methods development, controlled trials, and other areas of scientific inquiry to assess their effectiveness among diverse populations and in unique settings.