Shatterproof Joins Path Forward as Focus Grows on Integrated Substance Use and Mental Health Care

WASHINGTON — As overdose rates remain high despite proven treatments, Path Forward today welcomed Shatterproof to its national coalition, underscoring a shared commitment to integrating substance use care into mainstream medicine and better addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Founded in 2013, Shatterproof focuses on strengthening addiction treatment systems, reducing stigma and advancing policies that bring substance use disorder treatment into primary and mainstream health care settings. The organization also promotes improved care transitions following overdose, emphasizing coordination across emergency, behavioral health and primary care systems. It works with policymakers, health systems, employers, insurers and community partners to promote evidence-based approaches that improve care quality and expand access to treatment.

Its National Principles of Care guide for insurers has been adopted by 23 health insurers reaching approximately 200 million people. Its Treatment Atlas tool, designed to help individuals compare the quality of addiction treatment facilities, is available to more than 146 million people nationwide.

“Substance use disorder, mental health, and physical health cannot stay in separate silos,” said Anna Bobb, executive director of Path Forward. “Shatterproof is bringing substance use treatment out of the margins and into mainstream medical care.”

Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mental health conditions, and substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mental health conditions, and policymakers are increasingly emphasizing coordinated models designed to treat both together. 

“Integrating evidence-based SUD treatment into primary and mainstream care improves outcomes, strengthens accountability and ensures people can get the support they deserve, said Pam Jenkins, chief executive officer of Shatterproof. “We’re proud to join Path Forward to make meaningful progress in ensuring access to effective treatment for millions of patients and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorder.” 

Shatterproof joins current coalition members: American Psychiatric Association, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council).

About Shatterproof

 Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where addiction never defines or ends a life. Guided by its mission to transform systems, support families, and end stigma, Shatterproof advances evidence-based solutions to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery; drives policy change to strengthen addiction care and accountability; educates the public to replace stigma with understanding; and equips families with trusted resources and support. Grounded in science and rigorous measurement, Shatterproof helps people today while catalyzing lasting systems change for future generations.  

About Path Forward

Path Forward is a coalition of health care purchasers, clinician associations, health systems, philanthropists and health-related nonprofits united by one goal: ensuring access to mental health and substance use care for all Americans. Its members coordinate advocacy, align strategy and translate policy into meaningful change on the ground, centering integrated care, workforce transformation and measurement-informed care.

To learn more about Shatterproof, visit www.shatterproof.org.