A healthier, safer community starts with a conversation.

To start that conversation, MDC is helping promote National Prevention Week, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Prevention Week, which takes place May 14-20, is an annual event that focuses on raising awareness around mental health and substance use disorders.

Through National Prevention Week, SAMHSA hopes to bring communities across the U.S. together in efforts to prevent substance abuse and mental health issues by sharing resources and information, sparking collaboration among organizations, and encouraging community leaders to take action.

The theme of this year’s National Prevention Week is “Making Each Day Count,” which reflects the belief that communities play large roles in preventing substance abuse by taking steps every day to help adults and youth live healthier lifestyles.

Each day of National Prevention Week highlights different issues that affect public health. This year, the daily themes are:

  • Monday, May 15: Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use
  • Tuesday, May 16: Prevention of Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
  • Wednesday, May 17: Prevention of Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse
  • Thursday, May 18: Prevention of Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
  • Friday, May 19: Prevention of Suicide
  • Saturday, May 20: Promotion of Health and Wellness

Substance use disorders and mental health issues affect our community every day, so it’s time to start the conversation about prevention so we can have a healthier, safer community.

Follow along on MDC’s social media this week to see the prevention resources and information we will be sharing, and use #PreventionPower to share the steps you are taking to promote health and wellness in your community.

To learn more about National Prevention Week, visit SAMHSA’s website at https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week.