May 17 – 23 is National Prevention Week, a national health observance supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Prevention Week is a time to focus attention on important behavioral health issues affecting young people and adults: tobacco use, underage drinking, excessive alcohol use, prescription drug misuse, illicit drug use and youth marijuana use, and suicide.
This year’s National Prevention Week theme—The Voice of One, the Power of All—recognizes that individually, each of us plays an important role in helping others lead healthy and productive lives, and together, we have the power to make a difference in our communities.
There are many ways to get involved in National Prevention Week. Here are just a few:
1. Watch this year’s National Prevention Week video, and see how young people and adults are using their voices to support prevention in their communities.
2. Help inspire others by adding a brick to the Prevention Pledge wall and sharing your prevention story.
3. Participate in the National Prevention Week digital activity—take a photo of yourself or with a group of friends that reflects how you stay healthy and post it to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #ChoosePrevention.
4. Participate in a National Prevention Week event. Check out the events that are going on around the country and participate in one near you.
The words and actions of one person can make a positive difference in the lives of many. No matter who you are or where you live, there are endless ways to join your peers in support of National Prevention Week 2015—together, we can make a positive difference in our nation’s behavioral health.