Each year the Alabama Department of Mental Health joins statewide and national organizations to promote National Mental Health Month, observed in May. Throughout the month, various advocacy organizations will host events statewide, and ADMH will present its 8th annual Capitol Showcase Consumer Art Exhibition.

Art Exhibition Details
More than 100 consumers around the state with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders will showcase their artwork throughout the month at the Capitol. The exhibition promotes consumer dignity and helps the public gain a better understanding of the individuals ADMH serves. This exhibition is about more than just the artists’ work.

ADMH is encouraging the public to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by safely discarding of unwanted and unused prescription drugs at collection sites throughout the state. Take Back Day will be held this Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local collection sites can be found by visiting www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

This effort represents the sixth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The DEA, as well as state and local law enforcement, collaborate to offer the initiative. Last September, Americans turned in 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites.

Governor Robert Bentley has proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month in Alabama. The Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council and the Autism Society of Alabama are partnering to promote this observance. The month-long awareness campaign held annually in April has been sponsored since the 1970s by the Autism Society of America, and seeks to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism spectrum disorders.

Events will be held statewide celebrating the observance, including a series of Walks for Autism in 15 locations around the state. Proceeds from the walks benefit the Autism Society of Alabama, which also sponsors the walks. In addition, a “Light It Up Blue” campaign will also be going on during April, involving everything from office buildings to people’s front porches.

According to the most recent autism prevalence rate released by the CDC, 1 in 88 children are identified as having an autism spectrum disorder.