News from HCA's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Annual Western Regional Conference on Problem Gambling announced

The annual Western Regional Conference on Problem Gambling will occur April 27-30, 2026 in Vancouver, WA. Save the date and visit the conference website to register or learn more.

Healthy Youth Survey Planning Committee shares 2027 survey revision process

We are entering the phase of the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) cycle when we typically begin soliciting survey revisions from partners and communities. However, after extensive consideration, the HYS Planning Committee has decided to modify the revision process for the 2027 cycle.

Prevention Provider Meeting registration updated

Registration for the Prevention Provider Meetings (formerly Learning Community Meetings) is open for events through September. Please note, if participants previously registered for the Zoom offering of the March 25 event, participants must register again for the Microsoft Teams event. 

Community Problem Gambling Prevention Pilot Program

HCA is seeking applications from organizations currently funded through a contract with the HCA Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Section, and/or the DOH for Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program to be considered for funding under the Community Problem Gambling Prevention Pilot Program.

Mark your calendars: CPWI Strategic Planning Training

The Athena Forum Strategic Planning Resources page is updated with 2026 information and expectations, including a Strategic Planning Training Plan with upcoming events.

2026 Community Survey Information & Documents Published

The Athena Forum CPWI Community Survey page is updated with information and documents related to the current, 2026 implementation of the survey. Files are also uploaded to the Community Library for your convenience.

Call for prevention professionals to volunteer for the 2026 Prevention Awards of Excellence review team

Each year, the Prevention Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding prevention professionals, community members, youth, and coalitions for their exemplary contributions to substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion across Washington state. The awards are made possible by a volunteer review team, who review the current year's nominations. 

New Job Openings Posted

The Athena Forum Job Opening Announcements page has been updated with several new (non-HCA) positions in the prevention field, some within Washington State. Please note these positions are not within HCA or DBHR but we are sharing for your convenience. 

DBHR shares updated map of CPWI sites

We're pleased to share a new map of Community Prevention & Wellness Initiative (CPWI) sites across Washington, updated December 2025 with current communities served. 

Legislative session begins

The 2026 WA State legislative session is under way! This year is a “short session” meaning that it is half-way through the biennial budget approved in the 2025 session. This session is only 60-days long running from January 1, 2026 to March 12th, 2026.