NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK 2019

By Lacey Smith & Rose Rankin 

National Prevention Week (NPW) is a SAMHSA-sponsored campaign dedicated to increasing the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health by promoting prevention year-round. The weeklong National Prevention Week observance that occurs each May brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together to celebrate the events and activities that communities have held all year to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance use and mental disorders.

NPW takes place May 12–18, 2019. Near the kickoff of summer, this week is an ideal time for communities to come together to celebrate their successes and rally around prevention. NPW is also timed to allow schools to take part in a prevention-themed event before the school year ends, raising awareness among students of all ages.

This year’s NPW theme “Inspiring Action. Changing Lives.” reminds us that we can all inspire positive change through the year. Every day and everywhere, whether we make healthy choices for ourselves or inspire others to do so, the small actions we take can change lives for the better.

Five of the seven days during NPW have a suggested health topic:

·         Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse (Monday, May 13)

·         Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse (Tuesday, May 14)

·         Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use (Wednesday, May 15)

·         Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (Thursday, May 16)

·         Preventing Suicide (Friday, May 17)

Everyone can take part in NPW and plan events around one or all of the NPW topics. We all have a role to play in prevention, and a powerful perspective to bring to the table.  This year the Van Buren County Youth Leadership Council will be participating in a Scavenger Hunt, Lunch & Learn Table, Posters, Chalk Art Messages, and Prevention Messages each day of the National Prevention Week on the Van Buren Community Middle/High School Electronic Billboards. 

For more information on the Youth Leadership Council please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or at safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.  For more information on NPW visit www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week to access their resources. Stay connected by subscribing to the Prevention Works email distribution list on the NPW home page (https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week) for resources, news and ideas to make substance use prevention happen every day. The Prevention Challenge (https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week/prevention-challenge) provides an opportunity for communities and individuals to participate in NPW promotional efforts through social media.