The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is asking for public comment on a new set of draft recommendations regarding the initiation or continuation of opioids for chronic pain, opioid selection, dosage, duration, follow-up, and discontinuation. The recommendations provide guidelines on assessing risk and addressing harm related to opioid use. It is intended to be used by primary care providers who are treating patients who are 18 years old or older and are in chronic pain (i.e. pain lasting longer than 3 months or past the time of normal tissue healing). To learn more, click here. 

The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has released new data on opioid overdose deaths. The data reveal that from 2000 to 2014, nearly half a million Americans died from opioid overdoses, either from opioid pain relievers or heroin use. In 2014, the number of deaths hit a record high, increasing 14 percent in just one year. To access this report, click here.

The National Center for Campus Public Safety has released a document focused on identifying strategies that contribute to preventing incidents of targeted violence that result in mass casualty events. The strategies are the result of a multi-agency collaborative conference held in 2013. The document offers seven promising avenues for prevention. Each avenue offers a summary for a strategy and references to both academic and practitioner evidence that suggests ways for curbing violence. To access this report, click here.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education hosted the first Minority Service Institutions (MSIs) conference for two-year colleges in November. The conference engaged MSIs and their partners, along with members of the U.S. Department of Education, in open dialogue about strategies for ensuring student success. Moving forward, participants of the conference will join MSIs communities of practice online meetings to continue to share experiences and connect with federal agencies. To learn more, click here. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released mobile resources to help individuals undergoing a behavioral health challenge or emergency. The resources address suicide prevention, bullying prevention, behavioral health following a disaster, and underage drinking prevention. Each of the resources provides information, tips, and guidance on ways to address different situations, particularly on how to appropriately respond and interact with individuals in need. To learn more, click here. 

SAMHSA has announced the commission of the first-ever Surgeon General's Report examining the health effects of drug and alcohol misuse from the perspectives of prevention, treatment, recovery, neurobiology, and delivery of care. The report will focus on the analysis of data from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. To learn more, click here.

The Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has published a blog post that provides returning college students with helpful tips for getting back into the routine of campus life after winter break. The tips relate to establishing positive health habits, including healthy sleep routines, exercising regularly, making smart choices about alcohol consumption, managing mental and sexual health, and balancing a nutritious diet. To access the blog, click here.