May 7th to May 13th marks SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week, an annual observance that aims to promote mental health and substance use prevention across the United States. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Possibility,” emphasizing the power of community action in preventing substance misuse and promoting overall health and wellness.1 Additionally, it highlights the importance of prevention efforts at all levels—from individuals’ actions to community-wide initiatives. The event seeks to equip individuals and communities with the tools and resources necessary to address substance misuse and mental health issues by fostering awareness, education, and action.2
SAMHSA encourages everyone to get involved during The National Prevention Week by participating in events, activities, and initiatives that promote prevention and wellness. There are many ways to get involved, including:
Through our grantees SAMHSA, The Central East Prevention PTTC provides various resources and tools to support prevention and wellness efforts, including educational materials, online training programs, and resources. These resources can help individuals and communities address substance misuse and mental health challenges and promote overall health and wellness.
The Central East PTTC, will be offering a webinar on Stigma and Substance Use Prevention: What Prevention Professionals and Others Can Do and a webinar on Stigma and Substance Use Disorder Prevention. The PTTC realizes that prevention is 365 days a year, and we have built a number of resources that you can access here. Also, SAMHSA offers more information on National Public Health Week, found here.
In conclusion, SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week is an essential reminder of the power of prevention and the role that each of us can play in promoting health and wellness. We can create hope and a brighter future for our communities and ourselves by taking action and working together. Prevention professionals are encouraged to engage with the daily themes to promote the importance of prevention while engaging in evidence based strategies to further this in their own practice.2 Let us all do our part to make a positive impact during this week and beyond