in many areas, including the biological and physical sciences. The government has not yet said how much extra money will be available to cover the increases, leading some to fear that student numbers could fall. Earlier this year the life-science community called for a pay increase, even if it meant cutting back on numbers (see Nature 403, 347; 2000). But the Treasury has denied that this is their intention. A spokesperson said the aim was to have more and better research students, and that "this does not mean fewer studentships". Bob Price, the head of human and corporate resources at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), welcomed the announcement with "open arms" and expects it to raise the quality and quantity of research students. But earlier this year John Taylor, the director-general of the research councils, decided that stipends did not have to be harmonized, and that individual councils could choose whatever level they thought appropriate. Accordingly, the BBSRC's minimum went up to £7,380 and is under review. Price says it could increase beyond the amount announced by the Treasury, but that this would "need a reduction in the number of places". But although welcoming the money in principle, many scientists are reserving judgement until the small print is revealed later this monthparticularly as the announcements appeared as a leak to two newspapers of a speech by Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and as selective details released by the Treasury. Indeed, science may not be a net beneficiary. Money could be redistributed from other budgets, as was the case with government departmental spending (see Nature 404, 909; 2000), or clawed back elsewhere. The full results will be known when the government releases details of the Comprehensive Spending Review in a few weeks.
Social workers are leaders in the substance abuse services field and may often work in substance use disorder (SUD) education, prevention, assessment, treatment, or resource coordination and case management roles. As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (2010) drives changes in the fields of health and behavioral health, social workers have an opportunity to lead structural changes at the micro and macro levels that will have a positive impact on low-income clients with SUDs. In this article, authors examine the current state of SUDs and health care access, the impact of the ACA on the field, and implications for social work practice and education. Social workers should seek specialized education and credentialing in SUD services, know how to help clients apply for health care coverage, and advocate for integrated substance abuse treatment and health care programs and an expansion of Medicaid in their local communities. Social workers are well positioned to be a voice for clients to ensure that the current structural changes result in a better, integrated system of care that is able to respond to the needs of low-income clients with SUDs.
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