Hosting an Event or Activity

One of the most popular ways to raise awareness about substance use prevention is to host a community event or activity. Events show the impactful work you’re doing and bring your community together to tell your prevention story.

Here are some ideas to help inspire you:

• Organize a health fair or family game night.
• Paint a school mural, themed around living healthy lives.
• Throw an ice cream social to reduce stress on campus.
• Sponsor a fun run/walk for prevention.
• Engage youth in your community with a #MyPreventionStory video contest.
• Host a Communities Talk town hall or Parents’ Night Out educational session.
• Use the DEA toolkit to host a Prescription Drug Take Back Day event.
• Partner with an entertainment venue to host a prevention-themed open mic night.
• Honor the prevention heroes in your community with an award ceremony.
• Pitch an op-ed (PDF | 72 KB) on substance use prevention to your local newspaper or TV station.
• Share health messaging in school newsletters or daily announcements.

Getting Started

Visit the NPW Toolkit to access tips and tools for hosting your own community event or activity — to jumpstart your planning.

Use #NationalPreventionWeek on social media when you post about your event.