This month we celebrate SAMHSA’s 19^th Annual Prevention day together with the CADCA National Leadership Forum! The forum will be held in Oxon Hill, Maryland, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Join us on Monday, January 30th, 2023, to discuss SAMHSA’s prevention priorities with leadership for the upcoming year. This one-day event will feature engaging speakers sharing information on evidence-based preventative interventions and findings on mental health, substance abuse and misuse, prevention, treatment, and recovery.¹ This one-day event also serves as a moment to provide communication and networking for those in the behavioral health field. Not only is this an opportunity for professional development, and a chance to build powerful connections with other passionate advocates and patrons. 

Furthermore, it is important for us to come together and examine the work being done to spearhead prevention practices and innovations. In the United States, drug overdoses are increasing at alarming rates. T​​he age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States increased by 31% from 2019 to 2020.² Prevention is needed to lessen the burden of mortality and save lives.

Here are five reasons you’ll definitely want to make the trip to attend SAMHSA’s Prevention Day.³

1. Learn What’s New and Innovative in substance misuse prevention and mental health with workshop tracks on youth-led prevention efforts; prevention across the lifespan; prevention efforts across the continuum of care; diversity, equity, and inclusion within prevention; prevention workforce; and prevention innovations.
2. Connect With Your Peers from across the country and feel the energy and camaraderie of being with like-minded professionals.
3. Get Exclusive Access to the Prevention Action Center, an interactive learning hub with exhibits and resources on the latest trends, activities, technology and games, as well as opportunities to meet SAMHSA representatives.
4. Hear It Here First and get the rundown on events and opportunities that are being planned for the remainder of the year, including 2023 National Prevention Week and a very special announcement!
5. Invest In Your Professional Development and leave inspired.