Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

National Prevention Week is a SAMHSA-supported annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. This observance is an opportunity to join with other individuals, organizations, and coalitions in your community to promote prevention efforts, educate others about behavioral health issues, and create and strengthen community partnerships.

National Prevention Week 2013 will be celebrated May 12-18, 2013. This year celebrates the theme, "Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.," which emphasizes that the prevention of substance abuse and promotion of mental health starts with the choices each of us makes in our own life. Through our choices, we can set an example of health and well-being for others. With our voices—whether spoken or written—we can raise awareness of behavioral health issues and help create healthier and safer communities.

Check back in the coming weeks and visit About National Prevention Week to learn more about this annual celebration!

How Can I Get Involved?

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.

Each day during National Prevention Week 2013 has a suggested theme that organizations and coalitions can use to guide the focus of community event(s:

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, and get ideas for your National Prevention Week 2013 event!

Download the slides [PDF | 4.0MB] from SAMHSA’s Prevention Day workshop session “National Prevention Week 2013: How to Get Involved” to start thinking about how you can participate and to see how one community coalition creatively celebrated National Prevention Week in 2012.

The National Prevention Week 2013 Toolkit and more information about this observance will be available in the coming weeks.

Take the "Prevention Pledge"

Since 2012, thousands of people have shown their commitment to prevention and healthy living by signing the "Prevention Pledge." Available on SAMHSA's Facebook page , the "Prevention Pledge" is a way for everyone to play a role in prevention and share that commitment with friends and family!

Firme el "Compromiso con la Prevención"

Desde el 2012, miles de personas han demostrado su compromiso con la prevención y de llevar una vida sana al firmar el "Compromiso con la Prevención." Disponible en ingles en la página de Facebook de SAMHSA , el "Compromiso con la Prevención" es una manera de que todos tengan un papel en la prevención y compartan esa promesa con amigos y familiares.

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.