Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of background. Because of this, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-34. September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, a time to reflect on those impacted by suicide, raise awareness, and share important community resources. Suicide can be prevented. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 80% of those who die by suicide show warning signs. Learning and recognizing the warning signs to help those with suicidal thoughts and feelings is the first step in the process. Common signs include: Expressing self-criticalness or being a burden to others Acting anxious or agitated Withdrawing from loved ones/isolation Discussing death or a lack of will to live [...]

International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31st to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths. The day also remembers and honors those who lost their fight to overdose. At Oaks, our mission remains consistent – helping to save lives. According to the CDC, over 90,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2020 alone, with opioids remaining as the leading cause. However, drug overdoses can be prevented. The CDC states, “More than 3 out of 5 overdose deaths had at least one potential opportunity to link people to care before the fatal overdose or to implement life-saving actions when the fatal overdose occurred.” Recovery is always possible with the proper treatment, [...]