Get Ready for National Prevention Week 2013

SAMHSA’s 2nd annual Prevention Week will take place May 12 to 18 with the theme “Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.”
National Prevention Week is an observance created to increase public awareness of and action around substance abuse and mental health issues. It is an opportunity to join with others to prevent mental and substance use disorders by raising awareness and strengthening support for prevention efforts in our communities.
The 2013 theme emphasizes that prevention starts with our individual choices. Through the choices we make in our lives, we can set an example of well-being for others and use our voices to raise awareness and create healthier, safer communities.
There are many ways to get involved with National Prevention Week:

• Take the Prevention Pledge and promise to take action to prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Share your pledge to galvanize support for wellness and prevention practices that bolster the health of our communities and nation.
• Host a Prevention Week event in your community. The 2013 Toolkit includes information on suggested events, ways to raise awareness, and resources, statistics, and logos for you to use.
• Spread the word by participating in SAMHSA’s “I Choose” Project, a way to be a positive example and inspire others. Submit a photo of yourself holding a sign with a personal message about why underage drinking prevention is important to you to be featured in the “I Choose” Project photo gallery.

Last year, communities nationwide took part in the first Prevention Week with health fairs, assemblies, and other events attended by thousands to bring attention to the importance of mental health promotion and substance abuse prevention.
Prevention Week takes place at the start of summer to provide a timely reminder before the recreational activities of the season and at a crucial time of year when numbers of substance-use initiates among youth has been seen to increase. Take the pledge to make a difference and start planning for Prevention Week 2013 today.

Gabrielle Nygaard is a Digital and Social Media Intern at Prichard Communications, where she assists on several accounts, including Reclaiming Futures. She is a student at Linfield College studying Mass Communication and Japanese. She is an Oregon native and health enthusiast.