The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will host the NatCon and Mental Health First Aid Summit in downtown Denver from April 27-29, 2026.

The deadline to submit a NatCon presentation proposal or award nomination is Monday, Sept. 15. Take advantage of this opportunity to raise your voice or recognize a health care hero at the largest conference in mental health and substance use care.

Schedule

In a new report, Mental Health America analyzed national data to find out what states are doing to prevent overdose deaths – and how they can do better.

Mental Health America believes data is a critical tool for policy change. This report details state-level data and recommendations for action across the continuum of services and supports for opioid use, including prevention, treatment, and recovery.

This report explores publicly available national data… read more

National Suicide Prevention Week 2025 September 8-14

World Suicide Prevention Day September 10

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples September 13

National Sober Day September 14

National AIDS and Aging Awareness Day September 18

Talk Like a Pirate Day September 19

National Day of Forgiveness September 27

Washington Thriving is in the final stage of their Strategic Plan. After incorporating feedback from earlier drafts, they are requesting comments on this last draft before submitting their plan for the future of the prenatal through age 25 behavioral health system to the legislature this November. Comments are due by September 15.

Learn more about this Strategic Plan and process or take the feedback survey now.

The federal reconciliation bill created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Federal funds will be available from 2026-2030. To participate in the program, each state’s Medicaid office must submit a detailed Rural Health Transformation Plan that is approved by the Center for Medicaid Studies (CMS). Plans must address how we will improve access to care, improve health outcomes, increase the clinical workforce, improve financial solvency, and more.  For more… read more

Each September, the nation recognizes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month as a time to raise awareness, share with one another, and spread hope to spark meaningful action. 

Don’t suffer in silence, there are resources and help available. People and families can call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 assistance for those in mental health crisis. 

The activation of 988 signifies a massive step for suicide prevention in communities across the nation. In addition to this… read more

The Department of Health (DOH) will help boost local Overdose Awareness Day events by sharing them and resources through social media and partner interactions. Their goal is to create #oneWAfamily.

There are currently 13 events listed in WA!

Add your event on Overdose.com •    Tag DOH and HCA in your social posts about your event •    Let DOH know about your event and resources. •    After your event, share event info with DOH to… read more

The Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST) is an innovative training offered to practitioners to provide a comprehensive introduction to the substance abuse prevention field. Grounded in current research and SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework, the SAPST is designed to help practitioners develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective, data-driven prevention that reduces behavioral health disparities and improves wellness.

Rise and Lead: A Journey of Healing, Wellness, and Youth Leadership Conference

This free event on Friday, August 22 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. is for 6th-12th grade students. Food and a t-shirt will be provided.

One chaperone must be included for every 8 students attending.

Join the WA-PCJJ Racial and Ethnic Disparities Committee for a screening of the film "Juvenile: Five Stories."

The documentary features five young people from across the country as they face their traumas and experience healing following their experiences with the justice system.

When: August 22, 4-6 p.m. Where: 815 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima, WA 

Please contact Whitney Queral at DCYF with any questions.