National Prevention Week - A Celebration of Possibility

Safety and education start at home. Talking with your kids is the first step to opioid misuse prevention, and it is important not to wait. Start talking about healthy decision-making as soon as preschool. Why? Because safety and learning begin with family talks.

As parents or caregivers, it's essential to teach children that their choices about what they consume have big impacts on their future. These talks should be open and tailored to their age.

But it's not just about talking. It's also about learning as a family. Understanding the signs of stimulant and opioid misuse—whether physical, emotional, or social—can help us intervene early and potentially save lives.

This year, from May 12-18, 2024, we observe National Prevention Week—a time dedicated to raising awareness about substance use and mental health. Organized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this week serves as a public education platform, spotlighting the efforts of communities and organizations nationwide dedicated to substance misuse prevention and promoting positive mental health.

The National Prevention Week tagline, “A Celebration of Possibility,” is about communities coming together to celebrate the possibilities and brighter futures that exist thanks to the ongoing work of prevention.

Healthy Acadia’s prevention team works in school and community settings across Hancock and Washington counties to prevent underage substance use and provide tools for supporting resilience and mental health. Click here to learn more.

SAMHSA's mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. To learn more about Prevention Week visit https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week/about.