09/21/2025
Press Release: ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH RECOGNIZES NATIONAL OPIOID AWARENESS DAY THROUGH STATEWIDE EFFORT
The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with Opioids Take and funded by the Alabama Legislature, is bringing statewide attention to National Opioid Awareness Day on September 21. This annual observance calls on Alabamians to reflect, learn, and take action against the opioid crisis, as communities across the country come together to recognize this day.
One of the most pressing public health challenges in Alabama continues to be opioid misuse. National Opioid Awareness Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm the state’s commitment to saving lives and supporting families through compassion and education. Thanks to the efforts of the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds, state agencies, and dedicated community providers and partners, overdose deaths in Alabama saw a more than 30% reduction from 2024 to 2025, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Key efforts for National Opioid Awareness Day include numerous outdoor billboards across Alabama, amplification across social platforms, and dedicated resources at OpioidsTake.com, a central hub where individuals can learn more about opioids, alternative pain management strategies, and treatment options.
OpioidsTake.com is an ongoing state-funded initiative that highlights how opioids can take health, relationships, opportunities, and lives - while also showcasing the stories of recovery and hope. The initiative is designed to reduce stigma, expand access to information, and engage communities across Alabama in prevention and recovery. The observance of National Opioid Awareness Day is just one of the many ways this effort is working to drive change across Alabama.
Summary:
Opioid misuse continues to affect families and communities across Alabama. By observing National Opioid Awareness Day, ADMH and its partners reaffirm their commitment to saving lives and supporting families through prevention, treatment, and recovery. For more information, please visit www.OpioidsTake.com.
About the Alabama Department of Mental Health
The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is committed to improving the health and well-being of every Alabamian by providing accessible, high-quality mental health and substance use services. ADMH works to ensure that individuals affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders can live with dignity, purpose, and hope in their communities.
