NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK 2020

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 will take place on May 10–16, 2020. Near the kickoff of summer. This year’s NPW theme continued to be “Inspiring Action. Changing Lives.” and 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.

Some of the NPW health topics are as follows:

·         Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse

·         Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse

·         Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use

·         Preventing Youth Tobacco Use

·         Preventing Suicide

Everyone can take part in NPW and plan activities at home 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 encourages our community members to take time to research how to be healthy with substances while we are at home. 

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.