The holiday season can be filled with joy and celebrations. This time of year can also trigger difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. Visit SAMHSA's Holiday Toolkit for help in connecting your friends, family, and communities to coping tips, loneliness and grief, and support during this holiday season.

 

Chatbots & Mental Health: Exploring Risks, Safeguards, & Possible Benefits is a National Academy of Medicine webinar that examines how AI-driven chatbots are being used for mental health support and what the current research says about their effects. It brings together clinicians, researchers, and technology experts to discuss the potential benefits and risks of these tools, including safety concerns and unanswered questions about their public use. The session also explores safeguards that governments, organizations, and individuals can implement to protect users. 

 

The 2026 Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals (PASAP) Conference will be held from February 22nd through the 24th at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, PA. Audiences that join together in networking and learning are SAP teams, liaisons, social workers, counselors, teachers, administration, and others in the field of student and family services. More information and registration can be found by visiting the link below.

The Stronger Connections Conference brings together school administrators, educators, school safety coordinators, school resource officers, law enforcement partners, mental health providers, and youth violence prevention partners. 

Presented by Center for Safe Schools, Pennsylvania for Social, Emotional and Mental Well-being, and Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

Funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Sponsored by Center for Safe Schools, Pennsylvania for Social, Emotional and Mental Well-being, and Center for Schools and Communities.

Visit the link below for more information.
 

The 2026 Pennsylvania Strengthening Families Conference offers a statewide opportunity for family support staff, program administrators, and families to learn, connect, and grow together. Participants will leave refreshed and energized, ready to strengthen partnerships that foster positive social connections and a greater sense of belonging in their communities. Guided by themes such as building protective factors, nurturing relationships, and promoting family well-being, the conference highlights strategies for creating equitable, welcoming, and connected communities.

 

The 2026 Pennsylvania Youth Prevention Summit, hosted by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. This one-day event empowers young people to take an active role in substance use prevention, mental wellness, and advocacy by equipping them with the tools to share their stories, engage with legislators, and influence statewide prevention efforts. 
Youth coalitions from across Pennsylvania are invited to participate in hands-on advocacy and leadership training, connect with peers and adult allies, and help shape the future of prevention in their communities. 

Up to 12 youth coalitions (approximately 120 participants) will be selected to attend, with each coalition receiving a $1,000 stipend to offset participation expenses. Applications open October 10, 2025, and close November 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. Selected youth will also have the opportunity to be part of the newly launched Youth Prevention Alliance (YPA) and share their perspectives during a youth panel at the 2026 CPA Annual Conference on June 11, 2026, at the Hilton Harrisburg. 

Learn more by clicking the button below.
 

Please SAVE THE DATES for the 36th Annual PA Prevention Conference, organized by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). This year's conference will be held at the Hilton-Harrisburg in Harrisburg, PA. 

More details will be provided soon.