National Prevention Week (NPW) is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-sponsored annual health observance dedicated to increasing the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health. The observance brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together through local events to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance use and mental […]
Substance abuse
NNED Virtual Roundtable: The Impact of Opioid Addiction in Diverse Communities
On May 9, 2018, on behalf of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the NNED convened a Virtual Roundtable: Voices from the Field on the Impact of Opioid Addiction in Diverse Communities. In this Roundtable, panelists and participants were invited to discuss opioid addiction and treatment in communities of colors and strategies for community-based organizations […]
Understanding Addiction, Treatment Services, and Paths to Recovery
Over 21 million Americans are suffering from substance use disorders and many more are at risk. If you are struggling or worried about a loved one, there are resources that can help you. If your organization serves individuals who struggle with addiction and substance use disorders, these resources will help you stay informed and equip you with resources to […]
First Responders Helping Others with Mental Health and Reminders to Care for Themselves
Creating Safe Scenes training course from SAMHSA is designed to help police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel respond to calls involving someone experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. Creating Safe Scenes presents information about mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and trauma; offers guidance on de-escalating scenes with an individual in crisis; provides […]
The Value of Peer Support
When youth witness or experience a horrible event, they often do not have words to help make sense of what is happening and do not realize the potential for long lasting effects. It can be challenging to ask for help. As a result, youth often work to make sense of it alone. Managing these challenging […]
Yup’ik Communities Turn to Indigenous Knowledge to Prevent Risk for Youth Suicide and Alcohol Abuse
Culture plays a substantial role in reducing disparities among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations; experts acknowledge culture’s critical importance to intervention success and sustainability. Yet many questions remain about the mechanisms that produce this protective effect. For more than a decade, researchers at the Center for Alaska Native Health Research have been collaborating […]