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Welcome to National Prevention Week!

National Prevention Week is an annual event aimed to increase awareness of mental health and substance use disorders.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

“National Prevention Week is held each year during the third week of May—near the start of summer, an important time for school, communities, and prevention professionals to re-focus on prevention! Adolescents and full-time college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July, according to SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)…. These are key periods of social transitions, a risk factor for youth substance use, and an opportunity to develop or strengthen the community, school, and family bonds that protect young people from substance use.”

Each day in the week challenges us to examine a different aspect of mental health or substance use disorders:

Monday, May 14: Promotion of Mental Health Wellness

Tuesday, May 15: Prevention of Underage Drinking Alcohol Misuse

Wednesday, May 16: Prevention of Prescription Opioid Drug Misuse

Thursday, May 17: Prevention of Illicit Drug Use Youth Marijuana

Friday, May 18: Prevention of Suicide

Saturday, May 19: Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use

For more information about National Prevention Week, visit SAMHSA’s website at: https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week.

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Last Updated: 12/12/23