How Does KAP Work?

KAP staff carry out the following tasks:

• Producing, marketing, and distributing publications and products
• Striving for cultural competency
• Gathering, analyzing, and using market research
• Enlisting the assistance of national experts to ensure that KAP is responsive to the needs of many audiences and that products are representative of the many areas of substance use treatment

KAP also networks with constituents through presentations and conferences.

How Do KAP Staff Know What You Want in These Products?

Simple — we ask.

The Cultural Competency and Diversity Network (CCDN) is made up of individuals from a variety of cultural groups that counsel KAP. The purpose of the CCDN is to assist KAP in improving the cultural competency of KAP products and documents. To date, there are CCDN work groups for:

• Native Americans
• Hispanic/Latino populations
• Asian and Pacific Islanders
• African Americans
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals
• Aging populations
• People with disabilities

The Multi-language Initiative (MLI) also works to ensure that KAP products are accessible, culturally meaningful, and sensitive to different populations. This is accomplished by adapting KAP materials for consumers or clients whose first language is not English.

The Result?

More and better products, better promotion of new products, increased usability of products, and enhanced sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of target markets.

In Summary

Through KAP, SAMHSA empowers treatment and service providers by offering evidence-based knowledge and information about best practices to use in the field. These professionals, in turn, help individuals with substance use problems reclaim their lives.

After all, knowledge is only powerful if it is used.