Current Grantees

Awareness Months

On this page we will highlight national awareness months related to mental health and substance use/misuse.

AUGUST is INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS Month

august 2026

"Together, we can end overdose through awareness, compassion, and action."

August is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Month, culminating in International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. This global observance brings communities together to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, acknowledge the grief experienced by families and loved ones, and promote evidence-based strategies that save lives. It is also an opportunity to reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders and reinforce that recovery is possible for everyone.

Across Florida, Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse (CJMHSA) Reinvestment Grant programs play an important role in overdose prevention by expanding access to behavioral health treatment, recovery support services, crisis intervention, peer support, care coordination, medication-assisted treatment, and community partnerships. These collaborative efforts help connect individuals with the services they need while strengthening systems that promote long-term recovery and reduce the risk of overdose.

Prevention begins with education and connection. Communities can make a difference by learning the signs of an overdose, increasing awareness of naloxone and other harm reduction strategies, encouraging safe medication practices, and supporting individuals and families affected by substance use. Every conversation rooted in compassion helps break down barriers to treatment and recovery.

Throughout August, we encourage behavioral health professionals, criminal justice partners, community organizations, and advocates to work together in advancing overdose prevention efforts and supporting recovery-oriented systems of care. By fostering collaboration and sharing evidence-based resources, we can create healthier, safer communities where hope and recovery are accessible to all.

Ways You Can Get Involved

  • Learn the signs of an overdose and how to respond in an emergency.
  • Promote overdose prevention education and evidence-based harm reduction strategies.
  • Help reduce stigma by using person-centered, recovery-oriented language.
  • Support local prevention, treatment, and recovery organizations in your community.
  • Honor the lives lost to overdose and recognize the strength of individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.August2024

 

Prevention Strategies/Principles:

  • Promote Health Equity
  • Address Underlying Factors
  • Partner Broadly
  • Take Evidence-Based Action
  • Advance Science
  • Drive Innovation
  • Monitor, Analyze, and Communicate Trends
  • Build State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Capacity
  • Support Providers, Health Systems, Payors, and Employers
  • Partner with Public Safety and Community Organizations
  • Partner with Public Safety and Community Organizationsprevention 

Information found at

Resources:

  • General Information

  • Information on Naloxene and other facts
  • Toolkit