Announcements

Each year the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery compiles and submits an Annual Synar Report (ASR) to the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  Part of this process is to make the report available for public review prior to finalizing and submitting to SAMHSA.

While the public review comment period for this report is now closed, your comments are always welcome.  Send them to: Ray.Horodowicz@hca.wa.gov.  Please… read more

The annual Washington Behavioral Healthcare Conference (WBHC) brings together a diverse group of presenters to share information about therapeutic interventions, recovery supports, promising programs, and policies that advance best practices. Our goal is to provide a learning experience that expands professional knowledge, promotes community partnerships, and helps make recovery a reality. We’re interested in sessions that are practical, replicable, and relevant to our attendees. We… read more

The Health Care Authority's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery's (DBHR) and the Washington State University's Advanced Prevention Fellowship is a unique opportunity to participate in state government work and engage with Washington community coalitions’ efforts towards substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and mental health (MH) promotion. The Advanced Prevention Fellow will be hired and managed by Washington State University (WSU), and their daily duties will be co-managed in… read more

Be a part of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's (CADCA) screening of Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol, on Thursday, December 5. From the Screenagers documentary series, this film explores the impacts of the digital age on teens' decision-making in relation to substances like vaping, drugs, and alcohol. Screenings will be held at 9 a.m. (register) and noon (register). 

These screenings are intended for community coalition… read more

The Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) is recruiting youth, ages 12-25, who live in Washington state to serve on a statewide youth advisory group for HearMeWA. HearMeWA is a free statewide program for youth up to age 25 who are dealing with a range of challenges, from stress and anxiety to threats and abuse. HearMeWA receives and responds to tips about risks or potential risks to youth safety and well-being. 

Youth advisory group members will have the opportunity… read more

Did your community hold a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event last month? The Starts with One campaign team wants to hear from you!

Share your Take Back Day experience and help us spotlight the important work coalitions are doing to promote safe medication disposal in communities across the state.

Please send highlights about your Take Back Day event - including promotion activities, event outcomes, and photos of the day - to Esther Brown. Your story could be… read more

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) is considering a rules project that could change how alcohol products are placed in retail stores across the state. Depending on the input we hear from the public, industry, and partners, this could impact whether alcohol beverages can be placed near non-alcohol beverages or near toys or other child-oriented products. In preparation for that potential rulemaking project, Kristen Haley, Public Health Education Liaison, is collecting photos… read more

The inaugural Asia-Pacific Society for Prevention Research (APSPR) conference, will be a hybrid event, with in-person options in Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, November 20, 7-9 p.m. PST. 

At this launch event, the APSPR, which aims to foster collaboration in our region around prevention science and research, will be formally established. The mission of the APSPR is to advance research on the etiology and prevention of health and behavioral problems in the Asia-… read more

The Washington Council for Behavioral Health invites you to submit a proposal to present at the 35th annual Washington Behavioral Healthcare Conference (WBHC)! 

Each year, this conference brings together a diverse group of presenters to share information about therapeutic interventions, recovery supports, promising programs, and policies that advance best practices. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and experience and inspire others!

As a presenter at… read more

During the pandemic, many states relaxed alcohol sales policies, including allowing more home delivery of alcohol. This might open the door to potentially inadequate ID checking. Further, digital alcohol marketing that uses algorithms to target consumer behaviors (like using a smartphone app to order alcohol for home delivery) might mean increased exposure to alcohol ads that encourage consumption

Washington is one of six states that are the focus of a new research study about how… read more