Genetic Testing Brochure
The National Cancer Institute is offering an eight-page brochure, “Genetic Testing: What It Means for Your Health and for Your Family's Health.” It explains what genetic tests are, lists the different types, tells how they are done, and gives examples of diseases linked to genetic changes that can be detected by these tests. The brochure also provides questions for patients to ask their doctor about the tests. To order free copies, visit
https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/details.asp?pid=4155
Disaster Response to Mentally Ill
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a publication focusing on improving disaster responses to people with mental illnesses. The report, “Building Bridges: Mental Health Consumers and Representatives of the Disaster Response Community in Dialogue,” was the result of a roundtable meeting of mental health consumers, policy makers, providers, and other members of the disaster response community. To obtain a free copy of the report, call 877-716-4717.
Program Grants for Homeless
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is taking applications for 25 grants of about $400,000 each to provide treatment for homeless persons who also have mental or substance-abuse disorders. Nonprofit public and private entities such as local governments, universities and colleges, and Native American tribal organizations are eligible. Applications for No. TI-08–013 are due on May 29 and can be obtained by calling SAMHSA at 877-726-4727.
Extended-Release Luvox for Anxiety, OCD
The Food and Drug Administration has approved once-a-day Luvox CR (fluvoxamine maleate) extended-release capsules for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults. The drug, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that incorporates an absorption system, is available in 100-mg and 150-mg doses by prescription only. For more information, visit
State Mandates Report
The report “State Mandates for Treatment for Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders” focuses on state-mandated benefits, laws regulating mental health and addiction treatment, and prescriptive authority granted to nurse practitioners and physician assistants. It is available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/sma07-4228
Aging Research Newsletter
An electronic newsletter, “Spotlight on Aging Research: News and Notes from the National Institute on Aging,” is available. The free newsletter features updates on NIA findings, information about upcoming events, and links to funding opportunities. To sign up, visit
list.niapublications.org/niaalert/lists/?p=subscribe&id=4
Spanish Language Brain Disorder Info
A Web site from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides information on several neurological disorders in Spanish. It can be found at