National Prevention Week 2017
“MAKING EACH DAY COUNT” National Prevention Week celebrates healthier, happier individuals and communities
Region 6, West Virginia – SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will sponsor National Prevention Week May 14-20, 2017. The annual health observance highlights the important role that individuals and communities have in helping people live and lead healthy, productive and happy lives. With a 2017 theme of “Making Each Day Count,” National Prevention Week raises awareness about the importance of substance abuse prevention and the effective promotion of mental health.
The week-long campaign encourages the community to become educated around seven important topics: the importance of community development and substance abuse prevention, prevention of youth tobacco use, prevention of underage drinking and alcohol misuse, prevention of prescription and opioid drug misuse, prevention of illicit drug use and youth marijuana use, prevention of suicide, and the promotion of mental health and wellness.
A key element to public health and long-term individual health is primary substance abuse prevention. Community Connections, Inc. serves as the Prevention Lead Organization (PLO) for Region 6 of the Governor’s Substance Abuse Taskforce – including Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming counties. The program facilitates coalitions in each focus county, implements evidence-based programs and practices, and seeks to educate the community on substance abuse and addiction.
Substance use disorders have a powerful effect on the health of individuals, their families, and their communities. In 2014, an estimated 22.5 million Americans aged 12 and older self-reported needing treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use.
Preventing substance misuse and abuse is critical to America’s behavioral and physical health. “Prevention” is defined by services, programs and practices delivered prior to the onset of a disorder with an intention to prevent or reduce the risk of developing a behavioral health problem, such as underage alcohol use, prescription drug misuse and abuse and illicit drug use.
For more information contact Cheryl Jonese, cheryl@strongcommunities.org
