Behavioral Health Impacts of Long COVID – Policy to Action
In May 2023, the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended – reflecting a long-awaited return to normalcy across the United States. However, this has not been the case for millions of Americans who continue to struggle with the economic and social effects of the pandemic, …
Celebrating Minority Mental Health Month: Focusing on Arab American Mental Health
Minority Mental Health Month in July gives us the opportunity to spotlight a growing and increasingly visible population: Arab Americans. According to the Arab American Institute’s estimates, there are approximately 3.7 million Arab Americans. Originating from 22 diverse countries across the Middle East and North …
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 …
