Everyone Has a Role in Prevention

Originally posted by The Partnership @drugfreeNH on May 6, 2022

Mental health issues and substance misuse affect millions of people in the United States each year. Examples of mental health issues include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors. The effects of these disorders are frequently catastrophic if not treated, even resulting in suicide. A marked increase in substance misuse has been linked to the global pandemic of the last few years. The good news is substance misuse can be prevented.

National Prevention Week, taking place this year from May 8 through 14th, is an annual national awareness week that improves community involvement, raises awareness about prevention strategies, and helps reduce the stigma unfairly attached to both mental health issues and substance misuse.

The Partnership @drugfreeNH, a public-private collaboration led by JSI, is observing the week by hosting weekday Facebook Live events to interview and celebrate New Hampshire Prevention Specialists. The events begin each day at noon. Topics include ways each of us can prevent overdose, through community and personal strategies; how to promote mental health in youth; how to make a difference in someone’s life to prevent suicide; what is being done in NH to support the substance misuse prevention workforce; and culminates with a celebration of prevention efforts that are taking place across the state in various settings.

New Hampshire has a robust and dedicated network of prevention specialists in each region of the state. However, every citizen can contribute. Everyone can take a role in prevention by being an informed and involved parent, family member, guardian, or community member.

Detailed Schedule of Events

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2022 AT 12 PM
Strengthening Community Resilience: Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention
Celeste Clarke, Director of Raymond Coalition for Youth, shares local efforts to strengthen community resilience and how each of us can prevent overdose.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022, AT 12 PM
Preventing Substance Use and Promoting Mental Health in Youth
What can counselors, schools, families and communities can do to prevent substance use and promote mental health in youth? Join Nashua North SAP, Rebecca Lerner for a discussion.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022, AT 12 PM
Preventing Suicide: Everyone Plays a Role
Hear from Jennifer Sabin, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at NH Department of Health and Human Services on what we can each do to make a difference in someone’s life.

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022 AT 12 PM
The Talent Pipeline: Enhancing the Prevention Workforce
What are the efforts being done in NH to support the substance misuse prevention workforce? Find out with Marissa Carlson, Executive Director of NH Teen Institute and President of the NH Prevention Certification Board.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 AT 12PM
Prevention is Everywhere: Highlighting Efforts Across Settings and Communities
Join Traci Fowler, Senior Program Officer, NH Charitable Foundation, will join us to celebrate prevention efforts across the state that are happening in various settings. Prevention is everywhere, and we are ALL part of the efforts!

Looking for a way to share the message? Go to Facebook and register for the events, then share to your timeline. Want content for your social? Visit our mini-social toolkit and co-brand the content there! Remember to tag us! #ThePartnershipNH

About the Partnership
The Partnership is a trusted resource for NH, composed of a group of dedicated organizations and individuals. All individuals, families, and communities are invited to join the Partnership to get informed, get involved, and get help.

The Partnership @drugfree NH is a public-private collaboration between the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS), the NH Governor’s Commission on Alcohol & Other Drugs, the NH Charitable Foundation, the NH Center for Excellence/JSI.