SAMHSA bill elements make strides for dually diagnosed.(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration )

As a longtime fan of Max Schneier who well appreciates his passion and commitment to improving the lives of people with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness, I read with interest his "From the Field" column in the Sept. 25 issue of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly. Its focus on the reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was most timely. However, I was surprised and disappointed by the column's lack of appreciation for important provisions in the new law that mark important steps in addressing the needs of people with co-occurring disorders.

The legislation reauthorizing SAMHSA, The Children's Health Act of …