Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. (she/hers) is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of SAMHSA and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Delphin-Rittmon reflects on her roles before joining SAMHSA and some of her mentors through the course of her career. They talk about mental health promotion and early intervention, the data behind the increase in use of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, equity focus work including the Black youth suicide summit and why SAMHSA offers hope with their funding of support and services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Links:

SAMHSA Interim Strategic Plan: https://www.samhsa.gov/about-us/interim-strategic-plan

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/