(Oct. 31, 2025) – Federal and National News
How Hospitals Can Lead the Way During Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month
Each October, Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month reminds us of the increasing impact of substance use disorders in our communities and across the country.
According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 58 percent of Americans aged 12 and older — approximately 168 million people — reported recent use of tobacco, alcohol or illicit substances.
Hospitals and behavioral health providers are specially equipped to lead efforts in preventing SUDs within their communities.
The Importance of Screening
The best way for hospitals to identify patients with SUDs is to implement a standardized, evidence-based and universal screening process.
Screening and assessment tools can be self-administered or performed by a clinician and integrated into a patient's electronic health record. Additionally, a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to conducting screenings with patients ensures the screenings lead to meaningful interventions.
Continued Support After Discharge
Hospital teams can assist patients after discharge in the following ways:
- Assist with making referrals to treatment
- Provide bridge prescriptions
- Help coordinate appointments
- Provide financial or transportation assistance
- Carry out follow-up outreach
- Connect patients with peer support or telemedicine options
The American Society of Addiction Medicine issued an assessment guide designed to help providers determine the appropriate referral level for their patients.
Resources to Help Hospitals
Funding is available through grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support hospitals in implementing SUD prevention programs.
Funding can also come from state programs, sometimes supported by opioid settlement funds and reimbursements from Medicaid and Medicare. Private foundations provide grants and federal grant databases like Grants.gov list specific funding opportunities.
Collaborating with Community Partners
SUDs are not just a challenge for hospitals; substance use and misuse affect entire communities. That's why a community-wide response is essential. Hospital teams are encouraged to work with local public health, law enforcement and community partners on substance use prevention in the following ways:
- Create data-sharing networks for real-time overdose cluster updates
- Create co-response teams for behavioral health emergencies, like crisis intervention teams
- Implement diversion programs to connect individuals with treatment instead of the criminal justice system
- Develop collaborative prevention and education campaigns
- Community-wide needs assessments can also helpful identify non-clinical factors that influence a person's health
How to Participate
Hospitals can participate in Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month by routinely screening for substance use, educating staff and patients about the risks of overdoses and prevention strategies and partnering with community organizations to share resources about substance use.
SAMHSA offers a toolkit that includes social media graphics, messages, flyers and more. According to the American Addiction Centers, health care professionals are 10 to 15 percent more likely to develop substance misuse than the general population. This indicates that participating in SUD prevention efforts can benefit health care team members. Access to trauma-informed supervision and peer support are measures hospitals can implement to reduce substance misuse among staff.
Before You Go ...
- The Trevor Project's Project SPARK Interim Report shares findings from a five-year longitudinal study tracking more than 1,500 LGBTQ+ youth nationwide. Covering data from September 2023 to March 2025, the report highlights worsening mental health indicators, ongoing minority stress, barriers to care and increased exposure to conversion therapy.
- A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that fewer than half of drug overdose survivors visited the emergency department. Researchers noted that many were revived by bystanders with naloxone, highlighting its role in preventing fatal overdoses.