N-SSATS 2013 Advance Letter

Attachment B5 (N-SSATS 2013 advance letter)

February 2013

Dear Facility Director:

The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) is an annual survey sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

N-SSATS collects data from every known substance abuse treatment facility in the country. The data collected include information about facility characteristics, the types of services offered, and the number of clients receiving substance abuse services at this facility on March 29, 2013.

Federal, State, and local administrators use the N-SSATS data to help make informed decisions about future treatment program improvements, and your participation is needed to ensure that substance abuse treatment in your area will be properly represented. The data collected are also used to update the National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs and the online Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator, found at http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Facilities that participate in the 2013 N-SSATS, and are designated as eligible by their State substance abuse agency, can choose to be listed in both the 2014 Directory and the online Locator.

In early April, you will receive a packet from Mathematica Policy Research, Princeton, NJ. The packet will include instructions for completing the questionnaire on the Internet. The Internet is the easiest and most convenient way to complete the 2013 N-SSATS. However, if you prefer, a paper copy of the questionnaire will be sent to you upon request. If you have any questions about the survey, please call the N-SSATS helpline at 1-888-324-8337.

We look forward to your participation in the 2013 N-SSATS in April.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Delany, Ph.D., LCSW-C

RADM, U.S. Public Health Service

Assistant Surgeon General

Director

Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality