The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s fifth annual National Prevention Week, May 15-21, is dedicated to increasing public awareness and prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders. This year’s theme—Strong as One, Stronger Together—recognizes that one person can make a positive difference in their community, but when we all unite together we can achieve even more.
During National Prevention Week, community organizations across the country host health fairs, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, block parties, outdoor events, and more. Here are some ideas provided by SAMHSA on ways in which to get involved:
- Sign up for and watch the kick-off webcast for National Prevention Week 2016, which will be held in partnership with Morgan State University.
- Listen to the National Prevention Week Theme song “Stronger Together,” written by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, singer, and guitarist Lou Esposito.
- Incorporate the song into your prevention efforts this year. Share it on social media using #StrongerTogether, or record your own video version of the song. Be creative!
- Join our webinar, Preventing Youth Marijuana Use: Changing Perception of Risk, on Thursday, May 19 from 2-3 p.m. EST, which will explore how attitudes, beliefs, and norms about marijuana influence its use, highlighting examples of how states have increased perception of risk among young people.
- Participate in SAMHSA’s #NPW2016 Twitter Chat focusing on the prevention of suicide on Friday, May 20, from 1-2 p.m. EST, featuring actress Torrey DeVitto.
- Add the power of your voice to SAMHSA’s “I Choose” photo project. People of all ages are already participating, and their “I Choose” photos will inspire you.
