Nov. 19, 2021: The Office of Behavioral Health is seeking public comment on Colorado’s Annual Synar Report for Federal Fiscal Years 2021-2022 as a part of the rules listed in the Tobacco Regulation for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
Block Grant program funds are distributed through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the leading federal agency in substance abuse prevention; states are required to use the money for prevention, treatment, recovery supports and other services that will supplement services covered by Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance.
The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) within SAMHSA at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issues programmatic requirements in compliance with Synar Amendment goals. SAMHSA and Synar regulations require that Colorado provide public notice before submitting the Annual Synar Report and interested stakeholders are invited to comment.
Public review of the report will be open for 30 days, or until Dec. 19, 2021. OBH will meaningfully consider all comments and requests as allowed by federal and Synar regulations.
Mandated by Congress, the block grants are noncompetitive grants that provide funding for substance use and mental health services. Colorado submits a combined behavioral health assessment and plan every two years, which outlines the services for both the mental health and substance use block grants. OBH is the state agency responsible for establishing Colorado’s behavioral health plan and complying with the requirements of the block grant.
Please send comments to cdhs_community_prevention@state.co.us with the subject "Public Comment on FFY 2022 Synar Report".