Announcements

What is the Young Adult Riding and Driving (YARD) Study?

The YARD Study is an ongoing research study about young adults’ transportation habits and health behaviors. We are housed at the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors (CSHRB) at the University of Washington.

Young adults ages 18 to 25 who live in Washington state may be eligible. You do not have to be a university student to participate.

Participants can earn up to $281 in electronic gift cards (… read more

The office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) appreciates all that schools are doing to help serve their students during this very difficult time, and realize they have a lot going on. While this may sound like an oxymoron and be thought of as…”one more thing to do”, we just want to make sure that schools who serve students in grades 6 to 12, are aware of the opportunity they have to administer a quick 15 minute student perspective survey to their students in the month of… read more

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) updated a data visualization using data from their 202 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. "Be Prepared to Have the Difficult Conversation" illustrates the correlation between alcohol use and other substance use to inform parents/guardians and communities.

The Department of Health (DOH) is reaching out to individuals and communities who have experienced health inequities or racism in the health care system. Advocacy groups and health care professional associations are also invited.

This is an effort to learn how people are harmed due inequities in the health care system, so we can create positive change. Information we gather from listening sessions will be used in future workshops to create rules for health equity continuing education… read more

The annual Washington Poison Center Poster Contest is now open! Any Washington student, kindergarten through 6th grade, may submit their art on the theme “Mr. Yuk Helps Everyone!” This year’s winner will receive a Kindle, a classroom party, and a visit with their local state representative.

The last day for a student to submit their entry is Friday, February 11. Information and submission instructions.

The Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is a collaborative research study conducted by the Department of Health, Health Care Authority, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Liquor and Cannabis Board. It focuses on health risk behaviors, such as violence and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use that can result in injury and impact positive development among youth. The survey also includes questions about protective factors, hope, and community. The HYS contains… read more

Your efforts to empower teens and young adults to make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol and to support their mental health are more important than ever. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites you to join in during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW), March 21–27, 2022. NDAFW is a week-long national health observance highlighting the science-based facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction.

During NDAFW, you can use NIDA’s resources to help support… read more

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced the release of the updated edition of Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention, a publication jointly produced by DEA and the U.S Department of Education. The guide includes an overview of substance use among children, youth, and young adults; descriptions of some substances young people may use; a look at risk factors that may make children, youth, and young adults try alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, and protective… read more

Since 2011, with your help,Strengthing Famiies Washinton has honored 281 parents and caregivers in Washington for the roles they have taken with their families, schools and communities. They have been recognized because they have shown strength, courage and empathy in their communities. This year, parents and primary caregivers have been called upon more than ever to be the buffer for the traumatic experiences that our world has been facing and we want to show our appreciation. Please help… read more

The University of Washington's Addictions, Drugs, and Alcohol Institute (ADAI) released two new resources: a report on increasing opioid deaths and a webpage supporting a new state law.

The report is self-descriptive: Dramatic Increases in Opioid Overdose Deaths Due to Fentanyl Among Young People in Washington.

The SB 5195-WA State’s 2021 naloxone law webpage from stopoverdose.org, shares resources regarding Washington State's new law, 2SSB 5195, “Concerning prescribing… read more