Latest news with #SubstanceAbuseMentalHealthServicesAdministration
New York Times
a day ago
- Health
- New York Times
Seeking Jobs and Purpose, Fired Federal Workers Form New Networks
When Scott Gagnon was fired from his government job earlier this year, he and his laid-off colleagues kept in touch to vent, comfort each other and share job opportunities. It quickly turned into an informal but crucial support group. And they happened to be uniquely qualified for the task, having worked at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a relatively small agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. 'It was very familiar territory for us to rally around each other, knowing that we're all going through this trauma, being separated from jobs that we all loved very much,' Mr. Gagnon, 49, the agency's former New England director, said in an interview. Their ad hoc network, which meets virtually every couple of weeks, mirrors the way hundreds of laid-off federal employees are dealing with the stress and pain of abruptly losing their livelihoods as part of President Trump and Elon Musk's slash-and-cut-some-more approach to reshaping the federal work force and government programs. Tens of thousands of civil servants across dozens of government agencies have been fired or have resigned since February. The groups that have emerged in response are large and small, impromptu and more formal. They meet for happy hours in the Washington area, gather virtually and stay connected through messaging apps. For the most part, those involved said, the focus has been on helping people with similar expertise or experience navigate their next chapter in the private sector or elsewhere. Getting laid off is difficult for workers in any industry. But federal employees, in many cases, sought out roles in government because of the unique combination of job security, benefits and public service. Not only are people losing their careers, experts said, they are losing a sense of self. Their challenges are compounded now by a job market where fewer and fewer opportunities are available. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Communities observe National Prevention Week
WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) – West Virginia has historically been among the highest-ranking states in terms of substance use according to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Each year, National Prevention Week aims to address many of the underlying factors that can lead to substance use issues. Prevention Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of substance misuse and mental health issues, and to collaborate on creating effective solutions and resources according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Chairperson for the Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities Candace Harless said that early prevention can affect everything from mental and physical health to social and financial status. 'Early prevention helps individuals live healthier lives, more stable lives and have better relationships, education and employment outcomes,' Harless told 59News. One crucial aspect of prevention comes in the form of connection and community involvement, factors that can decrease risk for substance use and mental health issues, according to Fayette County Health Department Prevention Coordinator, Katie Johnson. 'We know that boredom or lack of success are a couple of reasons that kids experiment with drugs,' she said. National Prevention Week will be observed from May 12 – May 17, offering a prime opportunity for folks to get involved and get educated on prevention. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
