The Ackerman Center Earns Prestigious SAPTA Certification
The Grant A Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center is proud to announce its recent certification by the State of Nevada’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency (SAPTA). The Ackerman Center sought SAPTA certification in preparation for a new groundbreaking program with youth who have prenatal alcohol or drug exposure, aiming to prevent future substance use among this high-risk population. This prestigious recognition highlights the center's dedication to providing preventative care that promotes the health and well-being of future generations.
A Milestone Achievement
The SAPTA certification is a testament to the center’s unwavering commitment to addressing the lifelong effects of prenatal alcohol and drug exposure., By receiving this certification, the Ackerman Center joins a select group of organizations recognized for their adherence to the highest standards in substance abuse prevention and treatment services.
“This certification underscores the importance of early identification and intervention,” said Dr. Julie Beasley, Clinical Director “By providing preventative programming to youth who are at risk of developing substance use disorders we are not only improving outcomes for children but also strengthening families and our community. Start healthy, Stay Healthy!”
Why It Matters
Research has shown that prenatal exposure to alcohol and/or drugs can have profound and lasting effects on a child’s cognitive, behavioral, and physical development. The Ackerman Center’s preventative behavioral health treatment program increases access to a comprehensive behavioral health program, where we mitigate risk of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) through reducing youth behavioral health problems, risky behaviors, and unhealthy coping skills. Collaborative care with families, parents, caregivers, and community stakeholders provides critical education, resources, and support while improving parent and youth daily adaptive functioning, healthy coping, communication strategies, and self-efficacy.
By achieving SAPTA certification, the center demonstrates its capability to deliver evidence-informed preventative behavioral health treatment and expand its impact across the state of Nevada. The certification also enhances the center’s ability to collaborate with other healthcare providers and secure funding for critical initiatives.
A Broader Vision for Care
This milestone aligns with the center’s mission to connect children and their families with the resources they need to thrive. The preventative behavioral health treatment program for youth with prenatal alcohol and/or substance exposure is an essential part of the foundation’s comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)/Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) from the earliest stages of life. By providing preventative care to this high-risk, vulnerable group of youth and their families, the center continues to break barriers and set a new standard for care for this highly underserved population.
The Grant A Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center invites the community to celebrate this achievement and to learn more about the life-changing work made possible through its programs and partnerships. Together, we can continue to connect, inspire, and innovate for a brighter future.
For more information about the SAPTA certification or other prevention programs, please visit dpbh.nv.gov.
