Rosalynn Bliss, Grand Rapids Mayor, has proclaimed Prevention Week locally. Email to request your copy of the proclamation. We invite you to share your #MyPreventionStory on social media and download the SAMHSA planning toolkit.
As National Prevention Week approaches, REA Analytics is taking the opportunity to recognizing the initiatives of organizations in our community and nationwide to prevent substance use and promote mental health and well-being. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), established National Prevention Week as platform to recognize the efforts of Mental Health and Recovery Support Professionals, emphasizing the significance of positive mental health and substance misuse prevention.
About Prevention Week
Prevention Week is celebrated every year in May.
The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:
- Involve communities in raising awareness of substance use and mental health issues and in implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs
- Foster partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to improving public health
- Promote and disseminate quality substance use prevention and mental health promotion resources and publications.
Ways to Get Involved
There are a variety of ways to get involved in Prevention Week. Here are some ideas from SAMHSA:
Organizations and individuals can participate in National Prevention Week in a few different ways. See below for some ideas about how to get involved.
- Host a Community Event
During National Prevention Week and year-round, thousands of organizations and individuals across the country host health fairs, block parties, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more. These community events help raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health in a fun and engaging way. - Share Your #MyPreventionStory
#MyPreventionStory captures the vast array of prevention experiences and stories. We want to grow this online conversation to reinforce why prevention is important and celebrate all that it has to offer! Share your unique perspective by using the #MyPreventionStory hashtag across social media. - Use the Planning Toolkit
The National Prevention Week Toolkit can help you host a successful event that connects your community’s efforts to the national observance. The Toolkit has tips on choosing an event topic, hosting logistics, partnership ideas, promotional strategies, and more. Download the Toolkit. - Subscribe to SAMHSA Email Newsletters
Stay up-to-date about the latest news, events, and resources by signing up to our email list.- To stay informed about SAMHSA’s underage drinking prevention initiatives, visit www.stopalcoholabuse.gov, scroll down to “Sign up for StopAlcoholAbuse.Gov News & Updates” and enter your email address.
Collaboration and engagement are welcome. Please share your Prevention Week stories and inspire others. We honor the professionals working to assist those in recovery, the families and communities that support recovery and mental wellbeing, as well as those living with substance use disorders and mental health challenges.
