(TASC) – The rollout last month of the Biden Administration’s inaugural National Drug Control Strategy showcases TASC’s pioneering specialized case management model as a “critical element” in advancing both alternatives to incarceration and harm reduction for justice-involved individuals as the federal government seeks to blunt the nation’s overdose epidemic.
“We are grateful for the Biden Administration’s leadership in promoting a comprehensive approach to addressing the national epidemic of substance use disorders and overdose, with notable and necessary attention to promoting harm reduction,” said TASC President and CEO Joel K. Johnson. “And we are equally proud that the 2022 National Drug Control Strategy highlights and incorporates TASC’s special case management model as a ‘critical element’ in the national fight against the overdose epidemic.”
TASC’s specialized case management model, which is featured prominently in the White House’s 124-page report, notes that the 50-year old model “keeps people from falling between the cracks.”
“SCM [specialized case management], developed by Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC), nearly 50 years ago, is a critical element for pre-arrest alternatives to incarceration or deflection through harm reduction programs,” according to the Biden Administration’s report. “The clinical focus, client engagement and navigation skills, and the safety net it provides help to keep individuals from falling between the cracks.”
The White House document also notes that TASC’s specialized case management is “recognized by SAMHSA [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration] as one of the eight principles of community-based behavioral health services for justice-involved individuals…”
“What makes the TASC model distinctive is that, in addition to supporting clients as they go through treatment, it also helps clients navigate within and between multiple public systems,” said Johnson. “TASC guides clients through court dates, parole meetings, for example, while also managing other necessities and obligations, such as housing, childcare, and employment as they progress in their self-sufficiency and well-being.”
Johnson is also applauding the Biden Administration for backing its new National Drug Control Strategy with increased funding.
A total of $42.5 billion in drug control funding is being requested by the Biden Administration in its FY2023 budget, an increase of $3.2 billion over the FY 2022. The largest increases in funding target drug treatment (+$1.6 billion) and drug prevention (+$848.0 million). With these increases, the budget request devotes an historically high 57.1% of drug control funding to demand reduction programs and activities.
“The Biden Administration’s investment in drug treatment and prevention will help bend the overdose curve if Congress approves the White House budget request,” said Johnson. “TASC applauds President Biden for this significant funding increase.”