Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

National Prevention Week is an annual health observance supported by SAMHSA to increase public awareness of behavioral health facts and issues, and celebrate the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

The inaugural National Prevention Week 2012 took place May 20-26, 2012 and celebrated the theme, We are the ones. How are you taking action?

National Prevention Week 2013 will be celebrated next spring. Check back in the coming months for more information, and visit About National Prevention Week to learn more about this annual celebration!

How Can I Get Involved?

This annual health observance is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to learn more about behavioral health issues, and get involved in prevention activities that continue throughout the year.

Prevention involves both large and small actions – such as volunteering, participating in community organizations or healthy activities, and talking to youth and neighbors – which together contribute to healthier and more vibrant communities.

Plan and Host a Prevention Event

SAMHSA encourages communities to host events during National Prevention Week, or any time of year, that:

• Raise awareness about substance abuse and mental health issues;
• Build support for wellness and prevention practices;
• Promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being; and
• Celebrate the power of prevention.

During National Prevention Week 2012, community organizations across the country hosted health fairs, block parties, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more to raise awareness about the importance of substance abuse prevention and the promotion of mental health. Visit Events to learn more about the types of celebrations that took place during the inaugural National Prevention Week. Thousands of people also showed their commitment to prevention and healthy living by signing the "Prevention Pledge."

You can get involved by planning an educational event in your community for National Prevention Week 2013 or any time of year! Download the National Prevention Week Toolkit for event ideas and planning tips.

More information about National Prevention Week 2013 will be available in the coming months. The National Prevention Week 2013 Toolkit will be available at the SAMHSA Store this winter.

Take Part in Prevention

SAMHSA supports opportunities to promote prevention throughout the year. Check back for new ways you can get involved, take action, and make a difference!

Learn more about:

Recovery Month (September) – Promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders.

National Bullying Prevention Month (October) – Unites communities nationwide to raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities, outreach, and education.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 7-13) – Presents an opportunity for organizations and affiliates across the country to work together to raise mental illness awareness through outreach, education and advocacy.

Take the "Prevention Pledge"

Take the Pledge and lead by example.
Make a commitment to healthy living by taking the "Prevention Pledge ." Find out simple ways you can stay healthy and help the people around you stay healthy, too. Print and share the Pledge (PDF 463KB) with others, and spread the word: everyone can make a difference.

Firme el Compromiso (PDF 331KB) y sea un ejemplo para los demás.
Al firmar el "Compromiso con la Prevención" firmará un compromiso con usted mismo de llevar una vida sana. También encontrará formas de mantenerse sano y ayudar a las personas alrededor suyo a estar sanas también. Imprima y comparta el Compromiso (PDF 331KB) con otros, y haga correr la voz: todos pueden hacer una diferencia.

Additional Resources

Resources are available to learn more about National Prevention Week and ways to help raise awareness about behavioral health issues.

• Access resources that support the prevention of underage drinking, prescription drug abuse and illicit drug use, alcohol abuse, suicide, and the promotion of mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
• Find out how National Prevention Week supports SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives and the National Prevention Strategy.