May 4, 2021 –
The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Prevention Week (NPW) May 9-15, 2021. NPW was started by SAMHSA to bring substance misuse awareness and prevention messages to communities through local activities, events, and programs.
Through the support of the Substance Use Prevention Services grant funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, FHN has partnered with the Galena High School Key Club and the Highland Community College Servant Leadership group to plan and implement activities at their schools in Jo Daviess and Stephenson County throughout the week.
Forrestville Valley, Lena-Winslow, and Galena high schools are planning to do sidewalk chalk drawings and positive messages. Orangeville High School will be distributing nicotine-free and mental health awareness pledge cards to its students. Galena High School will be handing out daily giveaways to students with messages that support the school's theme for the week, “Pirates Be Healthy in Mind and Body,” and have daily awareness themes from NPW.
The Highland Community College Servant Leadership group's regional project this year is focused on mental health awareness. Students from Aquin High School designed t-shirts that the Servant Leadership group will be wearing Friday, May 14 to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention.
Several other activities, such as daily dress-up days, student-designed posters, and guest speakers also are being planned at local schools.
NPW encourages local groups to spread alcohol and drug misuse awareness and promote prevention efforts in their communities. The FHN Prevention Team would like to recognize and thank the Galena Key Club and the Highland Community College Servant Leadership group for their support in planning and implementing these activities at their schools.
Visit www.fhn.org/SUP for information and downloadable materials for National Prevention Week or for additional resources regarding Youth Mental Health and Prevention.