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 take place May 12-18, 2013. Sign and share the "Prevention Pledge" on SAMHSA’s Facebook page to make a difference and commit to a healthy lifestyle. This year's theme, "Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.," 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.

The National Prevention Week 2013 Toolkit is now available! Visit SAMHSA’s Store to download the Toolkit, which provides resources for National Prevention Week 2013 events and year-round prevention efforts.

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
• Highlight 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 events:

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 events that took place during the inaugural National Prevention Week, and get ideas for your National Prevention Week 2013 activities!

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 participated in National Prevention Week 2012.

Share your plans with SAMHSA! If you’re planning a National Prevention Week 2013 event, please e-mail SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week Coordinator, David Wilson, at david.wilson@samhsa.hhs.gov and provide the following information:

• Your organization's name and website, if applicable
• A brief description of your event(s)
• Location (city, state)
• Date(s)
• Target audiences.

Upon receiving your event information, SAMHSA will add it to the National Prevention Week Events page.

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.