Recent News

From NIDA: "In 2019, an estimated 750,000 young people between ages 12 and 25 received substance use treatment within the last year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  Do you know someone struggling with substance misuse? Let them know that they aren’t alone. This inspiring music video features several young people who are currently […]

MDHOPE   MDHOPE is a new opioid texting program that connect families in Maryland to treatment providers and other opioid-related resources. Text MDHope to 8-9-8-2-1-1 to get resources such as signs of overdose, overdose prevention tips, treatment options, safe disposal sites for unused prescriptions, and information about overdose reversal medication. Individuals can speak immediately with […]

SAMHSA Resource | November 2020 Prevention and Treatment of HIV Among People Living with Substance Use and/or Mental Disorders This guide reviews interventions for people living with substance use and mental disorders who are at risk for or living with HIV. Selected interventions are in alignment with goals of the federal “Ending the HIV Epidemic: […]

Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, delivers a message for the 31st anniversary of National Recovery Month.

  A coloring and activity book for kids ages 8-12 Did you know the human brain generates enough electricity to power a small lightbulb? This free, printable coloring and activity book for children ages 8-12 features exciting facts about the human brain and mental health. Download and print the PDF version.   This resource is from […]

  SAMHSA Resource | June 2020 Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders This guide supports health care providers, systems, and communities seeking to treat stimulant use disorders. It describes relevant research findings, examines best practices, identifies knowledge gaps and implementation challenges, and offers useful resources. Find the Guide at the SAMHSA Store.

From HealthDay | June 9, 2020 | by Dennis Thompson 'Iso,' a Deadly New Synthetic Opioid, Has Hit American Streets A new synthetic opioid as powerful as fentanyl is causing overdose deaths at an ever-increasing rate, experts warn. What’s worse, the designer drug is legal in most places in the United States. Isotonitazene — commonly […]

A letter from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) confirms that mental health and substance use disorder treatment services are essential medical services.   

New publication from SAMHSA's Office of Behavioral Health Equity (March 2020): The Opioid Crisis and the Black/African American Population: An Urgent Issue The opioid crisis has not abated and has had a significant impact on African American communities.This issue brief presents recent data on prevalence of opioid misuse and death rates in the Black/ African American […]

Letter from the DEA and SAMHSA DEA Qualifying Practitioners DEA Qualifying Other Practitioners Dear Registrant: In light of the nationwide public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 31, 2020, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is exercising its authorities […]

SAMHSA's Provider Clinical Support System (PCSS) and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) have teamed up to offer free medication-assisted treatment (MAT) training for eligible clinicians working to address the opioid epidemic. This partnership aims to increase the number of waiver-certified clinicians in high-need areas such as hard-hit rural and underserved communities across the country. Why […]

The CDC has given a name to the recent outbreak of vaping-related illnesses: EVALI, which stands for e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury.  As of December 10, 2019, 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported 2,409 cases of EVALI to CDC, including 52 EVALI-associated deaths in 26 states. Read the […]

As of February 18, 2020, CDC has confirmed: (This CDC has not provided new data since 02/18/2020) 2,807 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported to CDC from all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands 68 deaths have been confirmed in 29 states and D.C. The median age of […]

The newest muppet to join Sesame Street will discuss that she's in foster care because her mom had to go away for a "grown-up problem." Yellow-haired Karli says that she loves her mom but that she couldn't take care of her because she was having a tough time. Karli is part of the Sesame Street […]

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year. Its purpose is to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. What can you do? From the National Safety Council Hold a candlelight vigil Offer an educational program, such […]

Read CDC's new Vitalsigns: Life-Saving Naloxone from Pharmacies Highlights:   View the accompanying 56-second video.

During World Hepatitis Day 2019 campaign, WHO is urging all countries and partners to promote the theme “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”. WHO will release new estimates for additional investments needed to achieve globally agreed hepatitis elimination goals by 2030, in the context of the universal health coverage. The host country for World Hepatitis Day 2019 is Pakistan. […]

  Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to start changing this. Each year millions […]

  World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day seeks to raise global awareness around the problem of iatrogenic (medical-induced) benzodiazepine physical dependence that continues to affect an enormous amount of unsuspecting, innocent people worldwide—either directly or indirectly. #WorldBenzoDay  

Each year on June 27, we observe National HIV Testing Day. On this day, we unite with partners, health departments, and other organizations to raise awareness and plan events about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV. Get Involved Help encourage HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day and every day to ensure people […]

National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental and/or substance use disorders. The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to: Involve communities in raising awareness of substance use and mental health issues and in implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs; Foster partnerships and collaborations with […]

National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a national campaign to break silence and end shame about HIV/AIDS in Asian and Pacific Islander communities and encourage individuals to get tested for HIV. Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI) make up 0.2% of the U.S. population and account for a very small percentage […]

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 27, 2019 This bi-annual event addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine […]

National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD) April 18 Tuesday, April 18 is National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD), an observance designed to recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, status awareness and continued focus on HIV prevention and treatment efforts among transgender people. The observance is organized by the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health. […]