The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), Office of Prevention is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to observe the annual National Prevention Week for May 10-16, 2020. National Prevention Week is an annual health observance focused on increasing the prevention of substance use and the promotion of mental health.
The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:
- Involve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs;
- Foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and
- Promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications.
Each year, National Prevention Week includes daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. ADMH is sharing important fact sheets and webinars with staff and the public (linked within each day).
The 2020 weekday themes are:
- Monday, May 11: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse
- Tuesday, May 12: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
- Wednesday, May 13: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
- Thursday, May 14: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-Cigarettes and Vaping)
- Friday, May 15: Preventing Suicide
We also ask that you participate in the social media challenge, and announce where prevention happens for you in three steps:
- Fill out the sign
- Take a selfie with it
- Share on social media with the #PreventionHappensHere hashtag
There are also other ways to raise awareness about the importance of positive mental health and substance use prevention. SAMHSA has created a list of 7 Things You Can Do For National Prevention Week.
To learn more about National Prevention Week, visit the ADMH Facebook page and join the #PreventionHappensHere challenge today.