Describe your interactions within the organization, your duties as an intern, and the knowledge and skills you gained during the first half of your internship.

Since joining the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s team (SAMHSA), specifically the Office of Financial Strategy under the Office of Financial Resources (OFR), I have worked closely with my supervisor, Theresa Jumento. Her background as a dietician and experience with non-profits has served her well in creating policies and legislation. Recognizing that the people in federal service come from many different walks of life and the knowledge they bring to the table can grow the results in various ways.

My duties as an intern have been assisting Theresa as she has been reviewing the Standards of Practice for writing policies for SAMHSA so that they will be streamlined. I have been a part of reviewing and editing presentations for the director of OFR. Importantly, I am gaining a comprehensive understanding of the grant-making process, from approval to implementation, and how it translates into tangible support for those in need.

I have been helping with transition documents for the upcoming election cycle when a new president will join the government, which is already in progress. The transition book overviews what SAMHSA does and how it helps the country. It includes a short history of the administration and highlights some of the programs that have received additional funding in the last ten years. As hurricane season is ending, OFR has been gathering information for supplemental funding for those affected by the flooding from Hurricane Milton and Helene. Some of these projects have taken precedence over the current agenda for the week because of their urgent nature, such as the supplemental funding; this has required me to be light on my feet with timing.

During my internship at SAMHSA, I applied my academic knowledge to real-world public health initiatives. Working within the Office of Financial Resources, I gained hands-on experience in program management, data analysis, and policy review. I collaborated on projects addressing substance abuse and mental health, performing detailed research and analyzing data to inform program development and implementation. This experience sharpened my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of the importance of data-driven decision-making in improving healthcare outcomes.

My internship at SAMHSA has also provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with a fellow intern, Ryan, from The Washington Center. Our shared responsibility and teamwork on several projects have given me a unique perspective, as we are both at the same level, working on policies that have a significant impact on the country.