National Prevention Week May 9 – 15, 2021
National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Purpose of National Prevention Week
The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:
- Involve communities in raising awareness of substance use and mental health issues and in implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs;
- Foster partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to improving public health; and
- Promote and disseminate quality substance use prevention and mental health promotion resources and publications.
The 2021 daily health themes are:
• Monday, May 10: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse
• Tuesday, May 11: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
• Wednesday, May 12: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
• Thursday, May 13: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-cigarettes and Vaping)
• Friday, May 14: Preventing Suicide
National Prevention Week Website
Preventing Substance Use Through a Drug-Free Workplace
One of the pillars of a comprehensive drug-free workplace is Awareness Education for all employees. All of the daily topics planned for National Prevention Week are appropriate to highlight in the workplace. These programs can we accomplished through creative program opportunities, displays, and informational sessions using community experts. A healthy workplace fair is also very easy to host by inviting program specialists from the local hospital, your Employee Assistance Program, insurance providers, benefits programs representatives, and so on.
For more information on a drug-free workplace, check out the website of the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance.