Announcements

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. 

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

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.

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

Washington Thriving is in the final stage of their Strategic Plan. After incorporating feedback from earlier drafts, they are requesting comments on this last draft before submitting their plan for the future of the prenatal through age 25 behavioral health system to the legislature this November. Comments are due by September 15.

Learn more about this Strategic Plan and process or take the feedback survey now.

The federal reconciliation bill created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Federal funds will be available from 2026-2030. To participate in the program, each state’s Medicaid office must submit a detailed Rural Health Transformation Plan that is approved by the Center for Medicaid Studies (CMS). Plans must address how we will improve access to care, improve health outcomes, increase the clinical workforce, improve financial solvency, and more.  For more… read more

The Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST) is an innovative training offered to practitioners to provide a comprehensive introduction to the substance abuse prevention field. Grounded in current research and SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework, the SAPST is designed to help practitioners develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective, data-driven prevention that reduces behavioral health disparities and improves wellness.

Each September, the nation recognizes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month as a time to raise awareness, share with one another, and spread hope to spark meaningful action. 

Don’t suffer in silence, there are resources and help available. People and families can call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 assistance for those in mental health crisis. 

The activation of 988 signifies a massive step for suicide prevention in communities across the nation. In addition to this… read more