Put your heart into it!

All too often, substance use disorders can be viewed as health challenges that exist separately from other conditions. SAMHSA (the federal Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration) has been a partner in the Million Hearts Initiative with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This initiative has focused on preventing heart disease and stroke, especially among people with severe mental and/or substance use disorders who are much more likely to die from heart disease than the general population. (This year it is promoting a campaign in which younger folks spread the prevention message.) February is National Heart Month – a great time to check out the useful resources on both the SAMSHA and Million Hearts Initiative websites.