The department has restructured the substance abuse and mental health programs to support the centralized organizational structure required by law. The centralized structure created some challenges but has produced several benefits, including improved system outcomes, better service coordination, more streamlined functions, greater use of evidenced-based practice, and enhanced data collection and analysis. Therefore, the current structure and placement of the substance abuse and mental health programs should be continued beyond the October 2006 sunset date.
Some additional changes could further streamline functions and improve system outcomes: