We’re excited to share our first quarterly Prevention Opportunities Newsletter, covering March through May! Moving forward, this newsletter will highlight upcoming prevention campaigns, trainings, funding opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Idaho.

As we make this transition, we’d love your input to make sure this newsletter is as helpful and relevant as possible. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey and share what you’d like to see included and how often you’d prefer to hear from us: Feedback Form

Thank you for all you do to support prevention efforts across Idaho; we’re glad you’re here!

MARCH

UPCOMING TRAININGS & EVENTS

2026 Idaho Highway Safety Workshop

March 27, 30, 31, 2026

The Idaho Office of Highway Safety is hosting a series of free regional workshops across the state, bringing training and collaboration directly to local communities. These workshops bring together law enforcement, EMS, transportation professionals, and community partners to address key traffic safety priorities, including impaired and distracted driving, speeding, and pedestrian safety.

Participants will receive updates on current initiatives, explore practical strategies, and have the opportunity to provide input on Idaho’s Strategic Highway Safety Plans. Sessions may include DRE refresher training, emergency vehicle operations (EVOC), and legal updates, with up to 6 POST or PE credits available.

Learn more and register here: 2026 North Idaho Highway Safety Workshop

2026 Superhero Walk

March 28, 2026

The 2026 Superhero Walk will take place on Saturday, March 28th, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month. This annual event brings the community together to raise awareness about child abuse prevention while providing a family-friendly environment with activities, resources, and support for children and families.

The walk will begin at the Nampa Police Department (820 2nd St S, Nampa) at 1:00 PM and end at Lloyd Square, where attendees can enjoy an afternoon of free food, carnival games, bounce houses, and a train ride. Participants are encouraged to wear superhero costumes to show their support for children and families affected by abuse.

Walk Details:

• 0.4-mile awareness walk from the Nampa Police Department to Lloyd Square
• Fun activities, including carnival games, bounce houses, and a train ride
• Raffle drawing for six brand-new kids' bikes (with helmets)
• Resource booths from local organizations

APRIL

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the significant health and social impacts of excessive alcohol use and share strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. This month serves as an opportunity to educate communities, engage policymakers, and promote resources that can help individuals make informed decisions about alcohol use.

To raise awareness about alcohol-related harms and the importance of alcohol policy safeguards, the NWPTTC has launched a 2026 Alcohol Awareness Toolkit.

The Toolkit seeks to raise awareness and encourage engagement from prevention and public health stakeholders to educate and inform decision-makers about effective alcohol policies by providing easy-to-personalize templates for editorials, letters, and proclamations.

Find the Alcohol Awareness Toolkit Here.

Youth THC Prevention Video PSA Contest

Deadline: April 13, 2026

High schools are invited to participate in a youth-focused video PSA contest highlighting the harms of underage THC use, including vaping, marijuana, edibles, and dabbing.

Students are encouraged to create original videos addressing impacts on brain development, mental health, and overall well-being. Learn more here.

Free Parent & Youth THC Prevention Training

Deadline: April 13, 2026

A free train-the-trainer certification will be offered featuring both parent and teen prevention curriculum sessions. This opportunity supports prevention professionals seeking to strengthen youth THC prevention knowledge and refresh messaging strategies.

Each live session qualifies for one CE credit, and participants may receive curriculum materials upon certification. Parent Registration. Youth Registration.

Teaching Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Conference

April 22 - April 23, 2026

The Teaching Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Conference will be held online on April 22-23, 2026. All registered participants will receive one-year access to keynote presentations, workshops, and resources, allowing for flexible viewing. Registration is now open! Learn more and register here.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

April 25, 2026

Since 2010, the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has given families, friends, and communities a simple yet powerful way to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. These biannual events in April and October help reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse and prevent overdose deaths, making a real difference in people’s lives. Dates for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can be found on the DEA’s Take Back Day website.

ODP encourages local organizations to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and help Idahoans safely and securely dispose of their medications. ODP’s Take Back Day webpage is being updated with the latest event details and resources. Please check back soon for new information, including an updated Take Back Day Collection Site Event Planning & Promotional Toolkit. 

National Fentanyl Awareness Day

April 29, 2026

Recognized by both the CDC and DEA, National Fentanyl Awareness Day focuses on prevention education for youth, families, and communities. The observance raises awareness about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and the importance of naloxone access and overdose prevention efforts.

Communities are encouraged to use available toolkits to promote awareness, honor lives lost, and support prevention initiatives.

April toolkits are available through the CDC, National Fentanyl Awareness Day organizers, and the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign.

April Toolkits:

• NATIONAL FENTANYL AWARENESS DAY 2025 TOOLKIT | National Fentanyl Awareness Day | April 29
• National Fentanyl Awareness Day Toolkit | Overdose Prevention | CDC
• One Pill Can Kill | DEA.gov, DEA One Pill Can Kill Social Media Campaign | DEA.gov

MAY

UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS

National Prevention Week (NPW) is a national public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance misuse prevention and positive mental health.

Three ways to get involved:

1. Host a Community Event - During National Prevention Week and year-round, thousands of organizations and individuals across the country host health fairs, block parties, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more. These community events help raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health in a fun and engaging way.
2. Share your #MyPreventionStory - #MyPreventionStory captures the vast array of prevention experiences and stories. We want to grow this online conversation to reinforce why prevention is important and celebrate all that it has to offer! Share your unique perspective by using the #MyPreventionStory hashtag across social media.
3. Use the Planning Toolkit - The National Prevention Week Toolkit can help you host a successful event that connects your community’s efforts to the national observance. The Toolkit has tips on choosing an event topic, hosting logistics, partnership ideas, promotional strategies, and more. Download the Toolkit.

For more ways to get involved, learn more, and access resources, visit: SAMHSA Prevention Week

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Each May, SAMHSA recognizes this observance to highlight the vital role mental health plays in overall well-being and to provide resources that support individuals, families, and communities.

Ways to get involved:

• Download the Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit. SAMHSA’s toolkit offers ready-to-use resources to help you raise awareness in your community. It includes weekly themes, customizable messaging, social media graphics, and best practices for having supportive conversations about mental health. The toolkit also provides guidance on sharing content, using hashtags like #MHAM2025, and engaging your audience in meaningful ways.
• Share awareness messages. Use social media, newsletters, or community outreach to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage support for those experiencing mental health challenges.

To learn more and access resources, visit: SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Month

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is recognized each year to raise awareness about the mental health needs of children and young people. For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has highlighted this observance to bring attention to the importance of early support, prevention, and access to care. Today, many youth are experiencing increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, making awareness and support more important than ever.

Ways to get involved:

• Use the Social Media Toolkit. SAMHSA provides ready-to-use graphics and messaging to help raise awareness and share information about children’s mental health. These resources can be used across social media, newsletters, and community outreach to promote understanding and support.
• Share resources and support. Help spread awareness by sharing information about available services such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other confidential support options for youth and families.
• Start conversations. Take time to talk with youth, families, and your community about mental health, recognize warning signs, and encourage early support and connection to care.

For more ways to get involved, learn more, and access resources, visit: SAMHSA Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

EXPLORE MORE TRAININGS AND EVENTS

Check out ODP's Training and Events Calendar! Explore ODP’s Primary Prevention Activity and Training Calendar to find upcoming trainings, webinars, and events hosted by ODP and our state, regional, and national partners.

For additional resources, tools, and ways to get involved in prevention campaigns and activities, visit the Activity & Training Resource Hub.

What's new with you?

Have an update, story, or other news you'd like to share in a future newsletter?

Send an email to Hannah Timmons at hannah.timmons@odp.idaho.gov