odphp.health.gov Blog

Last month I was honored to deliver the keynote address to the American Public Health Association 2023 Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia. I spoke about an important initiative that we are continuing to develop and the need to take the social determinants of health “to the next level.” To reach the broadest possible audience, I am sharing my remarks from that meeting.

We’re excited to announce that MyHealthfinder now features 2 resources on anxiety disorder in adults. The new anxiety resources align with a final recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) showing that adults age 64 years and younger can benefit from screening to help identify anxiety disorders — so they can get the treatment they need.

Youth substance use is associated with increased risk for delinquency; academic underachievement; teen pregnancy; sexually transmitted infections; perpetration of, or experience with, violence; injuries; and mental health problems. Youth, parents, and families are key sectors involved in the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Preventing or delaying substance use initiation among youth reduces later risk for substance use, substance use disorders, and overdose.  The need for prevention is vital and early intervention is critical for youth.