Advancing Behavioral Health Equity and Language Justice: SAMHSA's Updated Language Access Plan
At the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we know that every one of us, regardless of who we are or our background, deserves access to quality behavioral health care resources and services. In everything that we do, we strive to advance equity, …
Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Journey of Progress
People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the U.S. population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 26 percent of adults in the United States have a disability. American Indians and Alaska Natives and people who identify as “Other” or “Multirace” …
Together We Can: International Overdose Awareness Day 2024
In 2023, our nation witnessed the first annual decline in overdose deaths since 2018. In 2022, there were over 111,000 deaths. In 2023, that number fell to 107,543. Though modest, this suggests that nationwide efforts to reduce overdoses are making a positive impact. However, the …
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Expecting Parents, Caregivers, and Families
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Awareness Month, a meaningful time to raise awareness of FASD prevention and celebrate the strengths, skills, and successes of those living with FASDs. Did you know that approximately one in 20 school-aged children in the United States (or …
Recovery Month – 35 Years of Celebration and Commitment
As we close out another busy Recovery Month, I wanted to reflect upon this important observance and share about some of our accomplishments this year. Every September since 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized National Recovery Month. These days, …
Collaborative Substance Use Prevention: Stronger Together
During Substance Use Prevention Month and year-round, many opportunities exist for the prevention field to work collaboratively (across sectors and partners) to develop and implement comprehensive prevention approaches. Prevention seeks to prevent initiation of substance use, prevent progression of substance use (to a substance use …
SAMHSA Commits to Sustaining and Accelerating HIV Progress
World AIDS Day, established in 1988 and observed annually on December 1, is a day to commemorate the 42 million people globally who have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic, and honor the more than 39 million people including 1.2 million …
January is the Perfect Time to Pursue Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder
“New year, new me!”This common phrase, echoed each year in January, embraces the air of change that comes with a new year. While it is not necessary to wait until a new year to make changes for our health, January is a time for fresh …
Breaking the Silence: What Everyone Should Know About Eating Disorders
Nearly 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder during the course of their lifetime. Some of these conditions can be serious, and potentially even fatal. It’s critical to break the silence and raise awareness about this public health problem. This …
2024 National Rural Health Day: Empowering Rural Resilience
For National Rural Health Day, SAMHSA celebrates the unique strengths of rural communities. SAMHSA empowers rural resilience by providing resources and tools that address behavioral health; supporting rural communities’ ability to mitigate, adapt, and recover from stressors; promoting behavioral health equity; and building and retaining …
