AACAP Pleased By Confirmation of Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD
Washington, DC, August 4, 2017 – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, to be the first Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. The Senate confirmation comes just a day after the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions approved her nomination. Dr. McCance-Katz will become the first Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use. This position was strongly endorsed by AACAP and included in the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act.
Dr. McCance-Katz has been vigorously supported by AACAP since her nomination, based on her exceptional experience and medical background. AACAP was also an early supporter and strong proponent of the 21st Century Cures Act, which created the position of Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. This position will have an important role in coordinating and overseeing the entire federal government's role and response to mental health and substance use disorders. AACAP President Gregory K. Fritz, MD, said, "I am thrilled that the U.S. Senate quickly confirmed my friend and colleague, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, to this essential role of Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. It is essential to have Dr. McCance-Katz in place to begin coordinating our federal government's response to mental health and substance use disorders, especially in children and adolescents."
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The American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, an affiliated 501(c)6 non-profit organization of AACAP, was formed in 2013 as a way for child and adolescent psychiatrists to increase their advocacy activities.
The mission of the Association is to engage in health policy and advocacy activities to promote mentally healthy children, adolescents, and families and the profession of child and adolescent psychiatry.