President Bush announced yesterday that he will submit Charles Curie as the nominee for Director of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For the past six years, Curie has overseen mental health and substance abuse services for the Department of Public Welfare in his position as Deputy Secretary of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS).
"We are pleased that Charley's expertise and achievements are being recognized by the Bush administration, but we will miss his leadership and vision in this state," noted PCPA Executive Director, George J. Kimes. "Charley Curie was a PCPA member in his early days in Pennsylvania, and he will be carrying his understanding of provider issues to the national level."
In a press release, Governor Ridge complimented Curie, noting that "Thanks to Charley, Pennsylvania is one of the first states in the nation to institute a campaign to educate communities about the obstacles people with mental illness face due to prejudice and stigma." The Governor also noted Curie's nationally-recognized efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint in the state's nine mental hospitals. The seclusion and restraint initiative received and the Harvard/Ford Foundation Innovations in Government Award in 2000.
Curie will initially be appointed as "Consultant to the President pending U.S. Senate confirmation.