National Prevention Week is a new annual health observance that will celebrate the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to help prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Below is a public service announcement created by young adults to kick off National Prevention Week. Its positive message highlights the ways in which young people can focus on their own talents and inner strength to prevent substance abuse and promote emotional well-being in their community.
National Prevention Week will be held in May, near the start of summer and the perfect time for communities to come together and rally around prevention. Summer is a season filled with celebrations and recreational activities that can potentially be linked to substance use and abuse, such as graduation parties, proms, weddings, boating, and camping excursions. The percentages of marijuana, cigarette and alcohol initiates among youth increase between spring (April and May) and summer (June and July), and the timing of National Prevention Week 2012 will help to raise awareness in youth at this crucial time of year.
Individuals and organizations wishing to observe National Prevention Week can access a plethora of prevention-related resources on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services website.
