National Prevention Week: Taking Action

May sure is busy with health-related awareness campaigns!

This week is National Prevention Week, a new SAMHSA-supported annual health observance that celebrates the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to help prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

This year’s theme is We are the ones. How are you taking action?

If you need some suggestions, here are some directly from the National Prevention Week website:

Talk to others about the prevention of substance use and the promotion of mental, emotional and behavioral well-being.
Attend a National Prevention Week 2012 event.
Host a drug- and alcohol-free party or event.
Learn about and support suicide prevention programs such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]) and the Trevor Project.
Encourage children, friends and/or family members to improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral health by promoting rest, a healthy diet, physical exercise, and time outdoors.
Point loved ones in the direction of resources that can help them improve their mental, emotional and behavioral well-being.
Talk with a friend or loved one who has been having a difficult time and discuss things that are bothering him/her.
Be a role model in your community by abstaining from alcohol abuse and illicit drug use.
Volunteer with a community program or organization that provides support for at-risk populations such as youth, Tribal communities, and military families.
Encourage your local school district to implement an alcohol and substance use prevention program and provide programs to promote students’ mental health.
Spread the prevention message online by posting about and linking to National Prevention Week 2012 on your Facebook and Twitter pages or on your blog or website.
Encourage friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones to sign the Prevention Pledge!