January 30, 2024
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On January 29, 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is observing its 20th Annual Prevention Day, for which a national gathering was held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. As part of the observance and gathering, SAMHSA leader Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon announced an update to the Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit. The updated toolkit provides guidance on opioid overdose reversal medications, addresses stimulant overdoses, and includes population-specific information. Through this updated toolkit, anyone can now see how they can help address the overdose crisis, whether as a bystander, medical provider, first responder, or person who uses drugs. In addition to the release of the updated Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit, SAMHSA has highlighted its FentAlert Challenge, which seeks the best ideas from U.S. youth, aged 14 to 18, for community strategies to increase youth awareness, education, and prevention around the dangers of fentanyl, especially the hidden dangers of fake pills and other contaminants that can lead to drug overdose deaths. The top six ideas submitted as part of the FentAlert Challenge will be awarded a $5,000 prize each, and up to 25 youth will receive $2,000 honorable mention prizes. FentAlert Challenge submissions will be accepted until February 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Click here to access the FentAlert Challenge webpage to submit ideas and for more information, and click here to access SAMHSA's updated Opioid Prevention and Response Toolkit. |
