Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) was proud to help organize and speak at the 3rd Annual Strengthening the System of Care for Co-Occurring Disorders Long Island Conference last Thursday, April 11, 2024. This Annual Conference brings lawmakers and experts in mental health and substance use disorders together to raise awareness of co-occurring disorders. The term “co-occurring” refers to the high probability of mental health disorders and substance use disorders occurring at the same time in individuals.

The goals of this Annual Conference include:

• Highlighting areas of need;
• Improving access to care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders; and
• Helping provide better support for families.

Mental illness and substance use disorders often co-exist as the term “co-occurring” suggests. Some statistics show roughly 50% of people with severe mental disorders are affected by substance use. Further, 37% of those with alcohol use disorders and 53% of drug users also have at least one serious mental illness. Addressing these phenomena and acknowledging the reasons why individuals are driven toward drugs and alcohol to self-medicate are extremely important and will allow health care professionals to administer proper treatment and care to those affected.

“I was amazed at the turnout at this year’s Conference,” said Brown. “We had more than 250 guests in attendance, and throughout the day, I spoke with so many caring treatment providers, integrated care professionals and leaders in substance use and mental health care fields. I am hopeful organizing and expanding this Conference year after year will have a profound impact on helping spread awareness of co-occurring disorders, promoting integration of co-occurring services throughout our system of care and highlighting the value of integration of care. This in turn will help pave the way for advancement in co-occurring disorder treatment and support for affected individuals and their families.

“I was also pleased to conclude the Conference with a ‘Call to Action,’ asking attendees to help finalize a Co-Occurring Disorders Bill of Rights/Action Statement for introduction in the state Legislature this session. With only two months left of Legislative Session, it is essential co-occurring disorders and the strategies discussed at this year’s Conference are brought to the Senate and Assembly Chamber Floors for debate. I look forward to seeing more attention brought to this and other issues in mental health, so we can get struggling individuals and their families the help they need,” concluded Brown.