News from HCA's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Starts with One Feedback Survey

The Starts with One campaign is gathering coalition feedback to help shape future campaign materials and resources. Last year, the campaign was refreshed with updated messaging, branding, and materials to better support communities across the state. Share your feedback at the link below to help inform future updates and improvements!

Prepare for National Drug Take Back Day with resources from the Starts with One campaign

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 25. Join us for a webinar, Monday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. to learn how to promote Take Back events and safe medication disposal in your community using resources available through the Starts with One prescription opioid misuse prevention campaign.

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.

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.

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.

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.