Announcements

Watch this page for announcements from other Athena Forum users.

National Red Ribbon Week is observed annually, October 23-31, to highlight the importance of living a drug-free life. During this week, communities across the country participate in activities and events to learn about the effects of substance misuse and the importance of making healthy choices. 

This year's theme is Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free, is a powerful reminder that ordinary Americans contribute to their communities every day by embracing a drug-… read more

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlined updated strategic priorities in a new report. Through these priorities, SAMHSA will lead the Department’s efforts in changing the trajectory of increasing serious mental illness, addiction, and loss of life.

Priorities include: 

Preventing substance misuse, abuse, and addiction Addressing serious mental illness Expanding crisis intervention care and services Improving access to evidence-… read more

October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, a time to lift up the national conversation and showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country. Showcase your prevention story and inspire action with SAMHSA's new Prevention Month Toolkit.

The toolkit includes: 

Shareable social media graphics and content  Website graphics Flyers PowerPoint slides Virtual meeting backgrounds Email signatures, and more!  

To inspire… read more

The 2025 National Native No Harm Summit registration is open!

Join for the 13th annual Summit from October 14-16, 2025, hosted at White Earth Nation at the Shooting Star Casino & Event Center in Mahnomen, Minnesota. 

The National Native Harm Reduction Summit brings together Native and allied harm reduction practitioners, Tribal leaders, researchers, and advocates from across Turtle Island. This annual gathering is a space to share knowledge, strengthen community… read more

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing announced they are hosting NatCon 2026 in Denver, CO from April 27-29, 2026.

NatCon is where the future of behavioral health care takes shape — a can’t-miss event where bold ideas spark collaboration and breakthrough solutions. Crafted by leading voices in the field, the curriculum covers emerging trends and proven strategies that keep you ahead of the curve. From mainstage keynotes to panel-led breakouts and small-group discussions, you… read more

Back by popular demand, CADCA added a new virtual cohort for the flagship training program. Join CADCA's National Coalition Academy for hands-on training designed to equip your coalition with proven strategies, expert guidance through technical assistance, and tools to ensure sustainability. 

What is the NCA?

The National Coalition Academy™ (NCA™) is CADCA’s premier training program designed to equip participants with the skills and tools needed to drive lasting community… read more

 

The back-to-school season is a great time to engage with youth about mental health and substance use to promote their well-being throughout the academic year. To support these conversations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched Free Mind, a new national campaign that provides youth ages 12-17 and their parents and caregivers with resources and information about substance use, mental health, and the connection between the two.

read more

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will host the NatCon and Mental Health First Aid Summit in downtown Denver from April 27-29, 2026.

The deadline to submit a NatCon presentation proposal or award nomination is Monday, Sept. 15. Take advantage of this opportunity to raise your voice or recognize a health care hero at the largest conference in mental health and substance use care.

Schedule

Sep. 15, 2025: Submission deadline for NatCon and… read more

In a new report, Mental Health America analyzed national data to find out what states are doing to prevent overdose deaths – and how they can do better.

Mental Health America believes data is a critical tool for policy change. This report details state-level data and recommendations for action across the continuum of services and supports for opioid use, including prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Goals of the report

This report explores publicly available national data… read more

 

National Suicide Prevention Week 2025 September 8-14

World Suicide Prevention Day September 10

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples September 13

National Sober Day September 14

National AIDS and Aging Awareness Day September 18

Talk Like a Pirate Day September 19

National Day of Forgiveness September 27