Category: News Articles

  • Press Release: National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW)  March 21-27, 2022

    Press Release: National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW)
    March 21-27, 2022

    About NDAFW
    National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health, and work with leading organizations, media outlets, and other Government agencies to spread the word about NDAFW.

    Events. Register your event or activity here. You can also view an Events Map on the website!

    Post on social media: use the #MyWhyNDAFW hashtag and post a photo of you holding the branded sign stating your reasons for why you support this week.

    Information for promoting mental and emotional well-being to reduce the risk of substance abuse as a coping strategy:
    Nurturing My Mental & Emotional Health
    Stressed Out?
    Is This Legit? Accessing Valid and Reliable Health Information
    National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge

  • Celebrate International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, 2021 – Press Release

    Celebrate International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, 2021 – Press Release

    SANTA BARBARA – The tragedy of overdose is far too frequent but is ultimately preventable. Overdose prevention, education and recognition play a crucial role in saving lives and we thank you for getting involved. On August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day, the Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition (SBOSC) invites the community to visit our table at the Farmer’s Market on State St. to learn how overdose affects every single one of us and how you can make a difference. Join us at our table between 3:00 – 7:00 pm to learn more.

    Each year we lose thousands of people from drug overdose globally. Some survive but suffer a permanent injury, with devastating impact to their families and friends. Santa Barbara is not immune. You may have seen it, it has happened to people around you. Tomorrow, it could happen to someone you love. This is not an invisible issue. International Overdose Awareness Day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on practical ways to prevent overdose in our community. Overdose is preventable. Knowing the real facts about drugs and what to do when you see someone experiencing an overdose DOES save lives. Overdose Day events that aim to educate our communities about drugs can really help.

    The Goals of Overdose Awareness Day are:

    • to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death;
    • to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose;
    • to send a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued

    We, the SBOSC, are playing our part to support the day with an informational table at the Santa Barbara farmer’s market on State St. Tuesday, August 31 between 3:00-7:00 pm. Together, communities, families, people who use drugs, government officials, international organizations, businesses and policy makers can come together in a shared effort to reduce the tragedy of overdose.

    SBOSC knows that now more than ever, it is important for the mental health movement to come together. This is a defining moment, rife with change and conflict on multiple fronts, and an opportunity to come together collaboratively to create the future where we all have hope for recovery.

    The Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition (SBOSC) serves all of Santa Barbara County and is a community coalition dedicated to saving lives and preventing opioid misuse through expanding public education and media outreach, enhancing opioid surveillance, preventing overdose and promoting Naloxone distribution, promoting safe disposal practices, encouraging early intervention, and expanding treatment access and recovery.

    > Download a Press Release

  • SB Opioid Safety Coalition Drug Take Back Day

    SB Opioid Safety Coalition Drug Take Back Day

    Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition Announces Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs on April 24 at CVS locations

    Santa Barbara, CA – On Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announce the public opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the CVS location closest to you.

    Read the Article in the Santa Barbara Independent.