New Leader Chosen for CSAP
Frances M. Harding is the new director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, which works to facilitate Americans' recovery from drug and alcohol problems. Her appointment was announced May 5.
CSAP is a leader in developing policies and programs to prevent use of illegal drugs, underage alcohol use, and tobacco use. It shares good practices and builds the capacity of states, communities, and organizations to apply prevention knowledge effectively.
"Fran is recognized as one of the nation's leading experts in the field of drug and alcohol policy," said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline, Ph.D. "As CSAP director, she takes the helm of the federal center that is critical to advancing our nation's progress in preventing substance abuse." Harding is currently associate commissioner of the division of prevention and recovery for the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. She has worked for the state for the past 26 years. Cline said she possesses "the right mix of leadership and experience needed to help communities nationwide work together to change conditions within families, businesses, and schools. Her expertise will help our nation drive down the rates of alcohol and drug use by young people."
She has served as president of the National Prevention Network, an organization representing all 50 states' alcohol and drug prevention offices, and as New York State representative to the National Association of State Drug and Alcohol Directors, Inc.