As International Overdose Awareness Day approaches, it is crucial to unite in our efforts to end drug overdoses, remember those we’ve lost without stigma, and support their loved ones. This annual campaign, observed on August 31st, strives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, educate communities, and promote policies to prevent tragic loss. The theme for this […]
Spotlight
2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Results Released
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through SAMHSA, published the findings of the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This survey provides insights into the experiences of U.S. residents experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. The 2023 NSDUH report features estimates categorized by race, ethnicity, and […]
New Report: Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best Practices for Families and Guidance for Industry
Parents, caregivers, pediatricians, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults in a child’s life ALL have a critical role in supporting the social and emotional development of children—including the use of social media. The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force has released a new report with best practices and recommendations: https://www.samhsa.gov/kids-online-health-safety-task-force/kohs-report-safe-internet-use
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging: Resources for Organizations & Front Line Staff
Attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to an organization’s and individual’s ability to provide responsive care. This document will help organizations and staff address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. It includes an array of resources that provide guidance about raising awareness, assessing competencies, implementing strategic planning, and […]
A Syndemic Approach to Training and Technical Assistance in the Central East
With World Hepatitis Day this month, the SAMHSA Region 3 Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) highlighted the interconnected health challenges that our communities face that has come to be known as a syndemic and collaborative approach we’ve taken to address this interplay. In the Central East region (as in much of the country), we’re contending […]
Opioid Deaths Rose 50% During the Pandemic. In These Places, They Fell
According to a recent article from Politico, fatal drug overdoses in the U.S. increased by more than 50 percent during the pandemic but Lucas County in Ohio saw a 20% decline in overdoses between 2020 and 2022. The county brought together health department workers, treatment providers, clergy, and law enforcement to target resources where they […]
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit
Next month is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month where we recognize the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face with mental health. As we prepare for July, check out Mental Health America’s BIPOC Mental Health Resource Center at mhanational.org/bipoc for #BIPOCMentalHealth resources.
Creating Safety: Welcoming Approaches for LGBTQ Clients – Now available in Spanish
The Central East ATTC is committed to fostering a positive and affirming environment that acknowledges LGBTQ identities and realities. Though nearly every care provider expresses the intention of creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ clients, good intentions alone are not enough to maintain a practice free of prejudice, repair poor office forms and protocols, minimize […]
Trauma and Addiction
Trauma can leave a person feeling broken and lost and substances can seem like a way to escape this feeling. Relying on substances to cope with trauma is not uncommon and can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD) while worsening trauma symptoms. Those with a history of trauma are two to four times more […]
Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month with a Focus on Substance Use Prevention
Happy Pride Month! This month, we celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ community, honoring the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and highlighting progress in LGBTQ rights. Substance use prevention is an important topic to discuss during this time due to disproportionate rates of substance use disorder among LGBTQ individuals, often linked to discrimination and mental health […]