Alabama Department of Mental Health

08/22/2026

Kratom drug use becoming more common among Mobile, Baldwin teens

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — An illegal and highly addictive drug in Alabama can be found at gas stations and v**e shops marketed as “energy shots.” It’s called Kratom, and these …

08/22/2026

Alabama expanded its reentry services pilot, adding Workforce Alabama to coordinate employment, treatment, housing and veterans services for people under supervision.

08/22/2026

When addiction touches a family, everyone feels the impact.

Families may carry fear, uncertainty, grief, and stress—but families can also be a powerful source of support, stability, and change.

This National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™, share facts, reduce shame, and connect families to prevention, treatment, recovery, and support resources: https://bit.ly/4bZPALM

08/21/2026

Parents and caregivers: You don't need perfect words to start a lifesaving conversation.
Ask what your child or teen has heard about fentanyl and counterfeit pills. Listen without judgment. Share the facts. Keep the door open.
It's never too early to talk about safety, substance use, mental health, and how to ask for help: https://bit.ly/4bZPALM

08/21/2026

Teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, school nurses, and youth-serving adults can help start prevention conversations before there is a crisis.

Share facts about counterfeit pills. Encourage help-seeking. Connect parents and caregivers to resources that support honest conversations with youth: https://bit.ly/4bZPALM

08/21/2026

On National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day, we’re raising awareness about a hidden danger: fentanyl can be present in drugs without a person knowing. Even a small amount can be lethal. Know the risks. Talk about fentanyl. And remember—help, hope and recovery are possible.

08/21/2026

Fake pills can look like real medicine. A pill from a friend, online, or anywhere other than a licensed pharmacy may contain fentanyl.

Look out for each other. Never take a pill that wasn't prescribed to you and dispensed by a pharmacy. If you're worried about yourself or a friend, talk to a trusted adult and get help fast: https://bit.ly/4bZPALM

Annually on August 21, together we can take action against illegally made fentanyl and save lives.

08/21/2026

Every day, we lose lives. Real people. Real families. Many had no idea what they were taking. They didn't get a second chance. This National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day—we remember those we've lost, and we fight for the ones we can still protect. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/toolkits/fentanyl-prevention-awareness-day.html

08/21/2026

ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell brings grit and purpose to leadership – 2026 Women of Impact:

Those (childhood) experiences, she says, shaped the direction of her career. “Without a doubt, those things affected what I wanted to do in my career,” she said.

They also contributed to the sense of purpose she brings to her work. “From a spiritual perspective, everything that was intended will be turned into good,” Boswell said. “If you use that to grow, then that becomes part of your purpose.”

Kimberly Boswell began her career in social work with a simple goal: to help people.

08/21/2026

Fentanyl is poisoning communities across the country. It's the leading cause of death for adults ages 18 to 45. It's hidden in counterfeit pills, disguised as something safe. But it's anything but safe. Just 2 milligrams—smaller than a grain of salt—can kill.
This National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day—we remember those we've lost, and we fight for the ones we can still protect.

Facing Fentanyl is a licensed and registered nonprofit organization bringing awareness to the dangers of illicit fentanyl. Learn more today.