October is also the second annual National Substance Use Prevention Month - an observance to highlight the vital role of substance use prevention in both individuals and communities.

Recently the President of the United States gave a proclamation on topic, addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic that has been a key priority of the administration.

The 2024 YEP! Kickoff event brought together 130 students to learn all about their strengths, how to check-in and support their friends and how to share positive messaging throughout their schools! Thank you to everyone who made this event the best yet!

Last month several behavioral health prevention professionals came together for the Douglas County Behavioral Health Prevention Summit. This nearly month long event featured five presentations covering critical topics like Preventing Youth Violence through Multisector Collaboration and Medication Assisted Treatment. Watch any of these presentations in full now available on our website.

Twice a year thousands of pharmacies and law enforcement agencies participate in DEA Take Back Day - encouraging community members to safely dispose of unused or unwanted medications. Last October, over 5,000 POUNDS of medication was collected here in Kansas alone, totaling over 300 TONS nationally! To learn more about DEA Take Back Day click below.

Red Ribbon Week takes place every year from October 23rd through October 31st to support healthy, drug free kids in all communities. This year the Red Ribbon Week organization is encouraging students to submit a photo for a chance to win an iPad and $1,000 for your school! To learn more about Red Ribbon Week and the photo contest click below.