National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 25. #TakeBackDay offers a safe and free opportunity for communities across the nation to dispose of old medications discreetly. On October 25th, from 10am to 2pm, bring your unused prescription drugs to a nearby collection site.
The Starts with One safe disposal toolkit includes ready-to-use ads, posters, social media content, and other localizable materials and information.
The Focus Onunderage drinking prevention campaign produced a new interactive planner that will support youth in identifying, reaching, and reflecting on their goals—while reminding them to steer clear of alcohol so they can prioritize what matters most. The printed planners will be distributed in the next month to those who placed orders. Missed our order form?
National Red Ribbon Week is observed annually, October 23-31, to highlight the importance of living a drug-free life. During this week, communities across the country participate in activities and events to learn about the effects of substance misuse and the importance of making healthy choices.
This year's theme is Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free, is a powerful reminder that ordinary Americans contribute to their communities every day by embracing a drug-free lifestyle.
There are lots of ways to participate, from becoming a Red Ribbon Week ambassador to planting red flower bulbs which will bloom in spring and serve as a reminder of the beauty of a drug-free life.
DOH invites you to join the Youth Friendly Care Network
Youth-serving medical and behavioral health providers and professionals are invited to join DOH’s Youth Friendly Care Network.
The Network is a statewide initiative for providers and professionals to deepen their understanding of youth-friendly care principles and establish or enhance youth-friendly care in their practice. It brings together people working in clinics, schools, and youth-serving organizations to promote care that is welcoming, respectful, and responsive to youth ages 10–24.
Get ready for Prevention Month with SAMHSA's new toolkit
October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, a time to lift up the national conversation and showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country. Showcase your prevention story and inspire action with SAMHSA's new Prevention Month Toolkit.
To inspire action, each of us can share how prevention is improving lives in our community. The toolkit includes social media graphics, flyers, PowerPoint slides, virtual meeting backgrounds, and more!
Concrete Resource Coalition celebrates a successful Concrete Youth Activity Day. Popular music and laughter echoed throughout Silo Park as kids moved from tent to tent in search of fun at the 18th annual event.
Thanks to community support, families in east Skagit County were able to enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment, games, prizes, food, connections to valuable resources, and healthy activities for free!
This year, the event drew 141 adults, 316 youth, 19 babies, 12 volunteer staff and 89 adults staffing 45 booths.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing announced they are hosting NatCon 2026 in Denver, CO from April 27-29, 2026.
NatCon is where the future of behavioral health care takes shape — a can’t-miss event where bold ideas spark collaboration and breakthrough solutions. Crafted by leading voices in the field, the curriculum covers emerging trends and proven strategies that keep you ahead of the curve. From mainstage keynotes to panel-led breakouts and small-group discussions, you can choose what best fits your learning style.
New report: State of Opioid Overdose & Response in the U.S.
In a new report, Mental Health America analyzed national data to find out what states are doing to prevent overdose deaths – and how they can do better.
Mental Health America believes data is a critical tool for policy change. This report details state-level data and recommendations for action across the continuum of services and supports for opioid use, including prevention, treatment, and recovery.
CDC launches new campaign to address youth substance use and mental health
The back-to-school season is a great time to engage with youth about mental health and substance use to promote their well-being throughout the academic year. To support these conversations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched Free Mind, a new national campaign that provides youth ages 12-17 and their parents and caregivers with resources and information about substance use, mental health, and the connection between the two.
Communication Access Real-time Transcription (CART) services, or live closed captioning, are available for events, on demand. Scheduling CART services requires a three-week lead-time.
