The SUD Prevention and MH Promotion Section is proud to have participated in a four-day programmatic site visit conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on April 20-23, 2026, reviewing SUD prevention services. The visit was an excellent opportunity to highlight the work the Section leads in the state in cooperation with Tribes, state partner agencies, universities, counties, Educational Service Districts (ESDs) and schools, communities, other entities and prevention professionals.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we at HCA are focusing on community connection and prevention in action. Prevention in behavioral health often centers on early intervention and access to care, but it also starts much earlier, in the everyday spaces where people connect. Third places are one example. These are spaces outside of home, work, or school where people gather, build relationships, and experience a sense of belonging. Libraries, youth centers, parks, gyms, cultural gatherings, and Tribal spaces can all function as third places, offering consistent, low-barrier opportunities for connection.
The statewide 2025 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) results are now available, offering a look at the health and well-being of Washington’s young people. Conducted every two years, this survey is a collaborative effort of the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), the Department of Health (DOH), the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).
As part of Washington state’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, we’re organizing an advisory committee (AC). The RHT-AC will help prioritize projects, make policy recommendations, and play a driving role for the RHT Program.
National Prevention Week (May 10-16, 2026) is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country that are preventing substance use and misuse — and promoting positive mental health.
The Healthy Youth Survey Planning Committee (HYSPC) is excited to announce the 2025 results webinar on May 14 at 3-5pm* via Zoom!
The 2026 Coalition Leadership Institute will be held in-person in Evans Event Hall at Evergreen State College from June 22 through June 24.
National Drug Take Back (NDTB) Day is coming up on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. NDTB day is a free, safe, anonymous, and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs as one of the many measures to prevent opioids and prescription medication misuse within communities. It is hosted in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), local law enforcement, and community partners. In October 2025, 48 collection sites across Washington collected a combined total of 3,963 pounds of unused prescription medications.
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 from 8:30 a.m. PDT to 4:00 p.m. PDT
Calling all Youth teams from across Washington to join us for the 2026 Washington State Spring Youth Forum—a celebration of youth leadership, creativity, and prevention success in communities throughout the state.
