May is National Foster Care Month. This month is a time to recognize the strength and resilience of children and youth in foster care, honor the families and caregivers who support them, and acknowledge the professionals, mentors, and advocates working to help create safe, stable, and permanent connections.

National Foster Care Month also reminds us of the importance of listening to youth voices, strengthening families, and building systems of support that help young people thrive, both during and after care.

Join us this month in raising awareness, learning more, and supporting children, youth, and families in our communities.



 

Mental Health Awareness Month is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting access to resources and support for individuals and communities.

Observed each May, Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and recognizing that mental health is essential to overall health. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a range of tools and resources to support awareness efforts, including digital materials and ideas for community engagement.

Individuals and organizations can take part by sharing information, starting conversations, and promoting supportive environments within their communities. While May serves as a focal point, supporting mental health is an ongoing effort that contributes to the overall well-being of individuals and communities year-round.

Please click the link provided below to access the toolkit that offers comprehensive resources in a central location.


 

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.

 

National Prevention Week highlights the importance of substance use prevention and mental health promotion, while recognizing the efforts of communities and organizations working to create healthier, safer environments.

Held each year during the second week of May, National Prevention Week celebrates the impact of prevention efforts and the positive outcomes they create across communities. Led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the initiative encourages collaboration, raises awareness of evidence-based prevention strategies, and promotes resources that support public health.

Individuals and organizations can take part by sharing prevention efforts, fostering partnerships, and promoting strategies that strengthen protective factors and reduce risk. While the observance serves as a focal point, prevention is an ongoing effort that plays a critical role in improving the well-being of individuals and communities year-round.



 

As part of National Prevention Week (May 10–16, 2026), the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance will host a 45-minute statewide call providing updates on current policy and advocacy issues impacting prevention efforts across Pennsylvania.

This session will include updates on:

• Federal funding considerations affecting prevention programs
• Marijuana rescheduling and potential implications for prevention, as well as legislation related to a proposed Cannabis Control Board in Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFE CHAT) Act
• An overview of CPA’s updated advocacy toolkit and new prevention policy webpage
   

Registration is required. There is no cost to attend.



 

Penn State EPIS is hosting a webinar series on Elevating Youth Voice in Prevention. Youth voice plays a critical role in effective, equitable prevention. Participants will explore strategies and practices for incorporating youth involvement in community-wide, decision-making processes. Whether you are just beginning to think about youth involvement or looking to strengthen existing efforts, this series will offer shared language, concrete examples, and space for reflection.

All webinars will be held from 10:00-11:00am on the following dates with the listed topics:

• March 5th - Why Youth Voice Matters in Prevention
• April 9th - Creating Pathways for Youth Participation
• May 14th - Preparing Youth and Adults to Work Together
• June 4th - Sustaining Youth Voice & Turning Input into Action

Each webinar has a unique registration link and all can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

Penn State EPIS is hosting a webinar series on Elevating Youth Voice in Prevention. Youth voice plays a critical role in effective, equitable prevention. Participants will explore strategies and practices for incorporating youth involvement in community-wide, decision-making processes. Whether you are just beginning to think about youth involvement or looking to strengthen existing efforts, this series will offer shared language, concrete examples, and space for reflection.

All webinars will be held from 10:00-11:00am on the following dates with the listed topics:

• March 5th - Why Youth Voice Matters in Prevention
• April 9th - Creating Pathways for Youth Participation
• May 14th - Preparing Youth and Adults to Work Together
• June 4th - Sustaining Youth Voice & Turning Input into Action

Each webinar has a unique registration link and all can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

The 2026 PA Prevention Conference is a premier annual event bringing together prevention professionals, coalition leaders, educators, and community partners from across Pennsylvania. Held June 10–12, 2026, in Harrisburg, this long-standing conference offers engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for collaboration. Attendees will explore research-informed strategies, build practical skills, and connect with peers across sectors such as public health, education, social services, and youth development, all with a focus on strengthening prevention efforts and community impact.

The Advanced Training, Treating the Family for Gambling, focuses on the critical role families play in both the development and recovery of gambling-related problems. This session explores how gambling impacts family systems, including relationships, communication patterns, and overall well-being. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of family dynamics affected by gambling and learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to engage and support family members in the treatment and recovery process.

Designed for clinicians and professionals, this training emphasizes building skills to assess family needs, strengthen support systems, and incorporate family-centered approaches into prevention and treatment efforts.