In the 2003 holiday movie classic, “Elf,” the main character, Buddy, shares a particular fondness for the holiday season, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” No matter what traditions you celebrate this winter, not everyone shares Buddy’s enthusiasm for this season. While the holidays can be a time of celebration and joy for many, it also can be a period of stress, sadness, and loneliness for others—and sometimes can be particularly difficult for people living with mental health and substance use conditions.
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Pathways to Recovery – Highlighting Tribal Recovery Efforts
In August of this year, the Office of Recovery and the Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy jointly hosted a Tribal Recovery Summit in Dallas, TX, partnering with SAMHSA’s Region 6 Office. The focus of this Summit was to showcase pathways to recovery and highlights multiple ways to support American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes on the frontlines of the opioid/fentanyl crisis. Nearly 300 participants attended the Summit either virtually or in person, including Tribal leaders, federal agency staff and leaders, service providers, and practitioners.
Substance Use Prevention Month: Telling the Prevention Story
In October, SAMHSA celebrates Substance Use Prevention Month — an opportunity for the prevention field and prevention partners to highlight the importance and impact of prevention. And given the substance use and overdose challenges facing our country, prevention has never been more important. This month, each of us can inspire action by sharing how prevention is improving lives in communities across our nation.
Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Journey of Progress
People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the U.S. population and constitute the largest minority group in the nation.

