Register for the upcoming Healthy Youth Survey results webinar
The Healthy Youth Survey Planning Committee (HYSPC) is excited to announce the HYS results webinar on May 14 from 3-5 p.m. Register for the meeting.
HYSPC members will highlight key findings from the 2025 survey, describe how results can be used, and answer questions from attendees.
Live transcription will be available. Visit the HYS website to learn more and find the webinar recording after the event.
*Webinar date and time is subject to change based on the press release review timeline, which includes approval by the Governor’s office.
Gear up for National Prevention Week May 10-16
National Prevention Week showcases the work of communities across the country preventing substance misuse and promoting positive mental health.
Join SAMHSA in celebrating the power of prevention, and those making a difference every day.
Learn more by visiting SAMHSA's National Prevention Week page.
Public health alert: rising teen overdoses from Diphenhydramine
Washington Poison Center identified a concerning and sustained increase in overdoses among youth involving diphenhydramine, a common over-the-counter medication (brand name Benadryl). This trend is linked to both intentional self-harm and substance misuse. Coordinated action across healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations is essential to reduce harm and prevent further increases.
Diphenhydramine is found in many over-the-counter sleep aids, cough and cold medications, and allergy medications. It is safe when used as directed, but taking large amounts can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Read the full alert on the Washington Poison Center website.
Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit is here
Mental Health Awareness Month starts May 1. SAMHSA published a complete Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit. Access the toolkit. The theme this year is: See the person. Support the journey.
Throughout May, SAMHSA will share resources you need to show up for this month, in your channels, your conversations, and your communities. The toolkit includes weekly themes, social media shareables, digital stickers, email signatures, virtual backgrounds and more.
Washington Poison Center solicits proposals for Overdose Awareness Series sessions
The Washington Poison Center is seeking speaker proposals to lead sessions during the seventh annual Overdose Awareness Series, taking place every Tuesday in August. Session formats include presentations, workshops, panel discussions, or any other format you would like to propose.
If you are interested in leading a session, please fill out an application. Proposals must be submitted by Monday, May 18. A nominal honorarium will be provided for speakers.
Read the full announcement on the Athena Forum.
New national suicide data dashboards
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has released new data dashboards that visualize the latest data, in addition to free PowerPoint slides.
Understanding the scope of suicide in the U.S. and in your community can help you develop more effective prevention efforts. The dashboard includes recent national suicide data, data on suicide deaths and attempts, suicidal thoughts, and means of suicide (i.e., methods).
Visit the data dashboard website.
What prevention professionals should know about kratom
Join an upcoming webinar on May 11 brought to you by Northwest HIDTA, Cle Elem Cascade Prevention Coalition, West Spokane Wellness Partnership and WASAVP.
The webinar will describe kratom and 7-OH, address nationwide and state trends, and discuss evidence-informed strategies for prevention. It will conclude with a panel comprised of prevention professionals involved in successful kratom prevention legislation in Washington.
Learn more by visiting the event registration page.
Third annual Moment of Youth Summit
Lopez Island Family Resource Center, Lopez Youth Health Advocates, and the Coalition for Orcas Youth are excited to host The Moment of Youth Summit May 15-16, 2026 at Camp Moran, WA. The event is a youth-led leadership and prevention experience to inspire, empower, and connect. Created by youth for youth, the summit offers a dynamic blend of networking, skill-building, creative expression, and meaningful conversations.
This event is free and open to all youth leadership groups in Washington. For registration and full event details, visit the event website.
Read the full announcement on the Athena Forum.
Refocus and Renew: Moving Towards Health series
SAMHSA published a new paper as part of the Technical Assistance Coalition’s Refocus and Renew: Moving Towards Health series, a ten-paper collection guiding state leaders on SMI and SED treatment, recovery, and whole-person health.
Women with serious mental illness (SMI) face significantly higher risks during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including being among those most affected by maternal mortality. Yet critical gaps in care persist across state mental health systems. Read the latest brief to see what can be done to help.
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