|
Get involved with National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month, mark your calendars for a "Talk. They Hear You" virtual meeting, receive free virtual peer coach training, and learn about events on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day. Jump to the article below.
White House Proclaims August as National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month
How to Localize 'Talk. They Hear You' in Your Community
Free Virtual Peer Coach Training in English and Spanish
International Overdose Awareness Day: Turn Awareness into Action
We're Growing!
White House Proclaims August as National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month
 The White House has issued a proclamation marking August as National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month. This is the first time that primary prevention – stopping use before it starts – has been singled out. This follows the release of the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy which “establishes a framework that places quality, evidence-based prevention at the center of our national response, uniting schools, communities, and houses of worship in a single mission.”
August is also when many students return to school. Marking August as Primary Prevention Month helps to ensure that students are supported in their efforts to remain drug-free through the full school year.
How to Localize 'Talk. They Hear You' in Your Community
 Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT
Join us for our upcoming community engagement meeting as we reconnect with our campaign network. During this meeting, we’ll highlight:
-
Brief “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign Updates: opening remarks from Rear Admiral Chris Jones, Pharm.D., Dr.P.H., M.P.H., director of SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; campaign news; upcoming resources; engagement opportunities; and any reminders for network partners.
-
Featured Partner Spotlight: staff members from the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii’s highlighting their efforts and approaches to adapting and localizing “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign materials, as well as insights from Valerie Mariano, Chief of the Community and Crime Prevention Branch of Hawaii’s Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division.
-
Open Discussion & Q&A: an interactive Q&A session for the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign team and network partners to discuss opportunities for campaign adaptation and replication, community engagement, and other topics.
How to Join:
The meeting will take place on Zoom. Click the link below to access the registration page, confirm your attendance, and receive a calendar link.
Free Virtual Peer Coach Training in English and Spanish
 Partnership to End Addiction is offering free virtual Peer Coach Training in English and Spanish for parents and caregivers who have supported a loved one through substance use. This evidence-based training provides practical communication and coaching skills that can be used to support other families and strengthen your own journey.
No professional experience is required. Participants who complete the training will receive a Certificate of Completion. Those interested may then apply to become a Volunteer Peer Coach, providing one-on-one and group support to families through Partnership to End Addiction.
As our grief support program continues to grow, this training also serves as the first step for bereaved parents and caregivers interested in becoming trained grief facilitators.
The dates for English language training are:
Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- September 12, 19, and 26
- October 3, 10, and 17
¿Le gustaría fortalecer sus herramientas para apoyar a su ser querido y ayudar a otras familias en el futuro? Le invitamos a participar en nuestra capacitación para Mentores de Padres. Aprenderá herramientas prácticas para comprender la adicción, mejorar la comunicación y apoyar el cambio en su ser querido. También conocerá las habilidades necesarias para acompañar a otras familias con confianza, ética y compasión. Al finalizar la capacitación, podrá decidir si desea convertirse en Mentor de Padres.
Horario de Capacitación Sábados de 11:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. (hora del Este)
- 12, 19 y 26 de septiembre
- 10, 17 y 24 de octubre
International Overdose Awareness Day: Turn Awareness into Action
 Every year on August 31st, communities around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember those lost to overdose, support families and friends affected by loss, and raise awareness about overdose prevention.
What is an overdose? An overdose can happen when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of a substance or combination of substances. Knowing the warning signs and understanding how to respond can help save lives.
Common signs may include:
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Blue or gray lips and fingertips
International Overdose Awareness Day encourages all of us to learn more about overdose prevention, reduce stigma, and support those impacted by substance misuse.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) remains committed to educating the public about the dangers of illicit drugs and empowering communities with prevention resources. Together, we can help prevent overdose and save lives.
 |
|
North Texas Overdose Awareness Day
Reacting to Opioid Overdose is one of the many groups combatting overdoses through community outreach.
At 6:30 p.m. on August 31, join Reacting to Opioid Overdose for a free event featuring speakers, resource tables, music, and a memorial on the lawn of the Denton County Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201.
Download the event flyer.
Visit OverdoseDay.com to see a map featuring the location and times of more International Overdose Awareness Day functions worldwide, as well as to add your own event to the map.
|
We're Growing!
The Together for Families network now includes hundreds of organizations and individuals from across the United States. Please encourage families and community members concerned about substance use to sign up for updates.
Also, if you work with an organization that has a free resource, information or event that you want families to know about, encourage them to join the Together for Families network by e-mailing togetherforfamilies@dea.gov.
|
