Announcements

A message from our proud partners at DCYF: 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time to reflect on what it takes to ensure all children and families can live purposeful, happy lives with hope for the future.

This year’s theme, Pinwheels of Possibility, challenges a long-standing misconception: that child abuse and neglect are the result of individual parental failure. In reality, they are often the outcome of unmet needs, chronic stress, and gaps in… read more

Millions of Americans live in behavioral health care deserts, areas with severe shortages of mental health providers, long wait times, high costs, and other barriers. These gaps leave countless individuals without timely care for conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

This SAMHSA advisory explores innovative, community-driven solutions to close these gaps and improve access to life-saving behavioral health services. One promising way to improve… read more

Save the date for the 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference

We invite you to join us for the 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference, taking place virtually on September 29–30, 2026.

Since its first gathering in 1988 in Kansas City, Missouri, the NPN Conference has brought together prevention leaders from across the country. Now in its fourth decade, the conference continues to connect 700–1,000 professionals each year who are committed to advancing… read more

Washington’s First Teen-Led Mental Health Summit is a student-driven and action-oriented event rewriting the typical narrative in the field of mental health to ensure youth are not just included in mental health conversations, but actively shaping solutions. Too often, discussions about youth mental health happen without youth in the room. This summit redefines history. 

​For the first time in Washington state, this summit is uniquely planned and led by youth… read more

By Steve Miller, CPS

When you walked into your first prevention meeting, you may have experienced it. The agenda looked promising. The coffee was strong. People seemed kind. And then someone said: “Once we align our SPF with the EBP portfolio and crosswalk it with the YRBSS and NSDUH data, we’ll be in a good place for the CADCA deliverables.” You nodded politely, but you had no idea what just happened. Welcome to prevention’s alphabet soup!

Prevention is filled with… read more

The Science of Relationships is an engaging gathering of professionals focused on strengthening protective factors for youth through connection and health-promoting relationships. 

Free conference, April 28-29 in San Diego, California. 

Learning Objectives:

Young people are more likely to develop gambling problems than adults. Those who start gambling early are more likely to become addicted as they grow older. Risk factors include easy access to gambling, social acceptance, cultural norms, and early exposure during adolescence.

Throughout the month of March, the National Council on Problem Gambling offers resources to help local communities better understand the problem, along with access to support. If you're looking for additional… read more

Ask, Listen, Learn is excited to share new curriculum and youth-engagement activities centering on mental health, tailored for youth ages 9-13.

In 2003, Responsibility.org, alongside a team of educators and organizations specializing in elementary- and middle schoolers, developed Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix. Ask, Listen, Learn is a completely FREE digital underage drinking prevention program for kids ages 9-13 (grades 4-8) and their… read more

May is Mental Health Awareness month. The 2026 Mental Health Month Planning Guide by Mental Health America (MHA) is now available in English and Spanish! This year’s theme, More Good Days, Together, focuses on helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting them as whole people, and understanding that “good” is defined by their unique experience and goals. 

Inside, you’ll find outreach ideas and examples, and ready-to-use communication tools… read more

Washington’s College Coalition on Substance misuse, Advocacy, and Prevention (CCSAP)’s annual conference and professional development meeting will be held virtually on Friday, May 8, 2026. 

Please save the date and look forward to more information soon. We will update the Athena Forum calendar event with information as it is made available.