The federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) observes April as Alcohol Awareness Month.

The organization’s goals are to:

* Educate the public about health risks associated with alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

* Organize successful health promotion events and campaigns.

* Deliver new ideas, information and resources on the topic.

Locally, Residence XII in Kirkland offers free assessments to women who are considering seeking treatment for their addictions. Residence XII’s assessment and referral counselors are available 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday–Friday. To make an appointment, call 425-823-8844 or 800-776-5944. To learn more about the assessment, visit www.residencexii.org/assessment.html.

Residence XII is the Northwest’s premier non-profit alcohol and chemical dependency treatment center for women and their families. Opened in 1981, the organization has treated more than 8,000 women and their families with alcohol and chemical dependency.