Celebrate National Prevention Week May 18--24

Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices invites everyone to help celebrate National Prevention Week May 18th-24th. SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s) National Prevention Week is a time for communities to come together and focus on the importance of preventing substance abuse and promoting mental health. This week echoes a key message of the U.S. Surgeon General’s National Prevention Strategy, emphasizing that prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives – including where and how we live, learn, work and play – and that everyone has a role in creating a healthier nation.

Alcohol abuse, illicit drug use, and prescription drug abuse are widespread issues that affect individuals, families, and communities. Nearly 60 million Americans participated in binge drinking at least once in the last 30 days, consuming five or more drinks in one sitting, and 69.5 million Americans currently (in the past month) use tobacco products. In addition, 23.9 million Americans used illicit drugs in the past month. Mental illnesses are the most common cause of disability in the United States. According to the MT. Department of Public Health and Human Services, 7.8% of adults in Phillips County reported their mental health was “not good.” Most important mental health issues impacting Phillips County respondents and their families were: work-related stress, depression, alcohol abuse and broken families.

Everyone plays an important role in prevention. Our futures are shaped by the choices we make every day. Today, choose to take part in prevention-related activities and conversations to raise awareness of, action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. Prevention of behavioral health conditions is important for personal health issues.

Some steps everyone can take are:

o Act as a positive role model and someone others can look up to.

o Have open conversations with your kids about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

o Take care of your mental health by prioritizing rest, healthy diet and physical exercise.

o Safeguard and properly dispose of both prescription & over the counter medications to reduce the chance of misuse or abuse.

o Take action to prevent substance abuse and promote mental health.

o Help with a drug and alcohol-free party or event.

o Volunteer with a community program or organization like the Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices or Boys & Girls Club that provides support for at-risk youth.

o Recognize your ability to make a difference – in your own life, in the lives of friends and family and in your community.

Making a healthy community is up to each of us – “Our Lives. Our Health. Our Future.” Health Themes for 2014 include: Sunday, May 18 – Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use; Monday, May 19 – Prevention of Underage Drinking; Tuesday, May 20 – Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Marijuana; Wednesday, May 21 – Prevention of Alcohol Abuse; Thursday, May 22 – Prevention of Suicide; Friday, May 23 – Promotion of Mental Health