National Prevention Week: Making Every Day Count

National prevention week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of and action around mental and/or substance use disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an administration dedicated to "reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness of America's Communities"(source). To follow that dedication, National Prevention Week was formed with the three following primary goals:

1. Involve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies;

2. Foster partnerships and collaboration with Federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and

3. Promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications.

The National Prevention Week is held May 14th to May 20th this year to provide an opportunity for schools and organizations to host prevention-themed events before the school year ends; this in turn raises awareness about the issue of substance abuse and mental health. This important week allows many young adults to engage and learn about the issues and why they are important to understand. Being held in the third week of May is most appropriate to the timing, as many young adults take their first journey with substances during those summer months (source). National Prevention Week is dedicated to reaching out before this happens.

This week, an important theme SAMHSA will focus on is that of suicide, a key topic for young adults in particular. The feelings and thoughts associated with suicide, and the importance of speaking out with someone, is essential to know. The National Prevention Week is one way organizations can show young adults that they are with them to support them through any endeavor. We want youth and young adults to know that your support system is there for you, and so is Thrive. We are there to help against every encounter with substances, suicidal thoughts, and mental health issues.

Let's make "every day count." - SAMHSA

SAMHSA is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. To learn more about their mission and Prevention Week, visit their website.

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