Recent News

The African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center has forged a collaborative relationship to address and inform providers about the alarming maternal health disparities for black women. To delve into this complex, yet important topic, the two centers have developed a workgroup to equip providers in better […]

As April unfolds, we find ourselves at the crossroads of education and action, as we bring our attention to a critical matter that demands our collective efforts – underage alcohol use. The prevalence of underage alcohol use demands our attention and calls for a community-wide response. This isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity for […]

The minimum age for sports betting in Maryland is 21, and for the Lottery, it’s 18. During a 2022 high school focus group in Western Maryland, all 15 youth said confidently, “I don’t gamble.” Yet, at the end of the focus group, nearly all raised their hands when the group was asked to raise their […]

As we embrace the month of February and honor Black History Month, it is an opportune time to reflect on the rich heritage, resilience and contributions of the Black community. This month provides an opportunity to honor the achievements of Black people throughout history and address critical health issues affecting the community. This year, our […]

SAMHSA’s 20th Prevention Day – Leading With Science, Improving Lives It is with great excitement and pride that we share a momentous occasion with you all –SAMHSA’s 20th Prevention Day! For two decades, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been at the forefront of the fight against substance use disorders and […]

As we approach December 1st, we stand together to observe World AIDS Day, a momentous occasion dedicated to raising awareness, fighting stigma and commemorating those affected by HIV/AIDS. This year we are compelled to shed light on the intricate web of challenges faced by individuals grappling with HIV/AIDS, particularly youth and communities of color, and […]

Earlier this month, The Danya Institute hosted the Prevention Core Competencies: For Prevention Professionals training at the Silver Spring Hotel. The three-day course highlighted the foundations of substance use prevention science for early and mid-career prevention professionals. A small group of prevention professionals from all over the region came to participate in-person which encouraged more […]

National BIPOC Mental Health Month serves as an important observance, aiming to raise awareness about the unique mental health experience and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities by encouraging discussions, support, and actions that address these disparities.1   Recognizing the importance of mental health and well-being with BIPOC communities is […]

It is that time of the year again when vibrant colors fill the streets, hearts swell with pride, and communities come together to celebrate diversity and love. Throughout June, we honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals as they continue to advocate for acceptance for all. Moreover, we honor the battles fought, the […]

May 7th to May 13th marks SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week, an annual observance that aims to promote mental health and substance use prevention across the United States. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Possibility,” emphasizing the power of community action in preventing substance misuse and promoting overall health and wellness.1 Additionally, it highlights the […]

From the HHS Press Release: "Since its launch on Mother’s Day 2022, the hotline’s professional counselors have provided emotional support, resources, and referrals to almost 12,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals who struggled with mental health concerns, and their loved ones.   Additionally, HRSA is introducing an updated toll-free number for the Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The […]

What youth does not love a trip to the arcade? Is this the first introduction to youth to gambling behavior? Claw machines and other popular games meet the definition of gambling. A claw machine: Buy tokens with money Put the tokens in the game Win or lose a stuffed animal or other prizes   Gambling […]

  During February, join us as we celebrate Black History Month! This month is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. As we commemorate Black History Month, it is essential to recognize and address health inequity and inequality issues in the Black community. The opioid epidemic in the United States […]

This month we celebrate SAMHSA’s 19th 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 […]

The first cases of Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome, also known as AIDS, were reported in June of 1981. Since the beginning of the epidemic, the World Health organization (WHO) has reported that an average of 84.2 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 40.1 million people have died of HIV. Additionally, at […]

November is dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans, observing how we may prevent substance use for this group, and understanding the many environmental stressors that may put one at risk.             Thousands of troops return home from active duty almost yearly and become military veterans in their respective communities. However, experiences from active duty may […]

Excerpt from the transcript of the conversation between NPR's Brian Mann and experts on drug policy: STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: In this country, people are preparing for what is supposed to be a happy time. Halloween is coming, which you can tell by asking my kids or seeing the 9-foot skeleton on the street not far […]

Please see below from the Addiction Science Team at the University of Missouri-St Louis regarding an error in their Fentanyl Test Strip kit instructions. "We recently noticed an error on the post-consumption fentanyl test strip instructions we have been distributing statewide. On the side with the heading “How to Test for Fentanyl”, number two contains […]

October is dedicated to bringing awareness to youth substance use prevention; it is vital as it recognizes how substance use prevention can affect the individual and community. In addition, community members can use this time to remember individuals who have lost their lives to substance misuse1. While it is important to have a month dedicated […]

In recognition of Recovery Month, PTTC joined forces with Demetrie Garner to share his journey to recovery. If you or someone you know is in recovery, we would like to hear your story. We encourage you to submit your personal recovery story to [email protected].   By Demetrie Garner   September is recognized as National Recovery […]

By the Central East PTTC and Demetrie Garner   National Recovery Month is observed in September. During this month, the recovery community reinforces how behavioral health is critical to overall health and how prevention and treatment, combined with behavior change, can lead to a newfound sense of life. We observe this month by advocating for […]

The month of September is dedicated to bringing awareness to Suicide Prevention. During this time, community members, behavioral health advocates, organizations, survivors and allies join in unity to promote suicide prevention awareness. Additionally, September 4th - 10th commemorates National Suicide Prevention Week, a time where stories and resources are shared to promote suicide awareness. Then […]

  August 31st, 2022, commemorates International Drug overdose awareness day. Drug overdose is a raging public health crisis throughout the globe and this campaign aims to honor those who have died due to overdose and reconcile the grief of the families they left behind through discussions on drug prevention and policy[1]   According to the […]