Washington, DC, August 2, 2017 – Earlier today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) overwhelmingly approved the nomination of Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, to be the nation's first Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. 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 HELP Committee overwhelmingly approved the nomination of my friend and colleague, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, to this essential role of Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use."

Dr. Fritz went on to say that, "I urge Majority Leader McConnell and the rest of the U.S. Senate to swiftly bring Dr. McCance-Katz's nomination to the Senate floor for confirmation to be our nation's first 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.