News & Events 

Join us in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month this May by exploring SAMHSA’s 2025 Digital Toolkit. This free resource offers ready-to-use social media content, downloadable graphics, and key messaging to help raise awareness, promote mental well-being, and reduce stigma. Whether you're part of a community organization, agency, or advocacy group, the toolkit makes it easy to spread the word and support mental health for all. 

To access SAMHSA's toolkit and planning resources, please visit the link provided below.
 

The July 24, 2024 blog post from Action for Healthy Kids highlights findings from the second wave of their Parent and Child Mental Health Survey, conducted with the CDC Foundation. The survey aimed to understand parents’ top concerns about their children’s health—especially mental health—and to assess their awareness of the support and services schools provide. Key findings reveal that 67% of parents are concerned about their child’s mental health, yet fewer than 20% are aware of the full range of school-based mental health resources.

This data is especially relevant to professionals in education, health, and child development, as it identifies critical gaps in communication, access, and support. With strong parental interest in training and mental health support, professionals have a clear opportunity to improve outreach, build awareness of existing resources, and strengthen school-community partnerships to support children’s mental well-being.

By clicking the link below, you can access this blog and the 25+ mental health resources designed specifically for parents/caregivers of K-12 children.

Join us in celebrating National Prevention Week, a time to elevate the power of prevention, promote healthy communities, and support those leading the way in substance misuse and mental health prevention.

At the Prevention Learning Portal, we’re proud to provide tools, training, and resources that empower prevention professionals to make lasting change. This week, let’s spotlight the vital work of our prevention community and recommit to building a healthier, more resilient future—together.

To access SAMHSA's toolkit and planning resources, please visit the link provided below.
 

Suicide is a deadly challenge for anyone experiencing despair. Pair suicidality with the access to substances and alcohol and the likelihood of a completed suicide raises exponentially. This event will offer information on contributing factors that can cause suicidality in people living with substance use disorder, language for screening for suicidal ideation, and strategies for preventing lethal events.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the special considerations and potential challenges associated with living with Substance Use Disorder while having suicidal ideation.
• Recite at least four interventions, strategies, or resources they can offer clients who are living with Substance Use Disorder who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
• Explain how they can address and support these unique needs and considerations in their setting and practice.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.)
 

To register, click the link below

The 35th Annual CPA Conference, organized by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), is scheduled for June 11–13, 2025, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Pennsylvania. 

Attendees will have access to keynote sessions and various workshops, with virtual participants able to join select live-streamed sessions. All registrants will receive an invitation to the Whova app for session selection and networking opportunities.

This year's keynote speakers are:

• Arel Moodie, President/Founder of Reed Oak, will present "Unlock the Power of Your Team."
• Deacon Dzierzawski, President of Epiphany Community Services, will discuss "Prevention…Everyone Can Do It…Or Can They? Reframing the Prevention Discussion."
• Rikki Barton, Founder/Lead Consultant at Onward Consulting LLC, will address "A Dangerous Intersection: Social Media, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Exploitation."

*Registration closes on June 4, 2025. More information and the registration link can be found by clicking the link below.