Union County to Recognize May 21 - May 25, 2012 as Prevention Week

The Union County Regional Coalition will be coordinating efforts to recognize the week of May 21 through May 25 as Prevention Week in Union County.  This week of recognition will be kicked-off during an event at the Rahway Public Library on Monday May 21st at 6:30pm.  All members of the community are welcome to attend.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) has declared the week of May 21st as National Prevention Week.  Prevention Week celebrates the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

Recognizing the importance of prevention efforts across the Nation, as well as all the great work that is done here in Union County, Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present the Union County Regional Coalition and Prevention Links with a Resolution declaring the week of May 21 through May 25Prevention Week in Union County.  “The Regional Coalition and Prevention Links are constantly working to keep the lines of communication open and engage in positive solutions to a complex issue,” said Chairman Mirabella. “I hope that Prevention Week helps to spread the word about this important community service.”

The Kick-off Event will begin with the presentation of the County Resolution at 6:30pm followed by a brief workshop on current drug and alcohol trends present in many communities across Union County.  In an effort to further raise awareness, daily press releases will be issued addressing the topics outlined by SAMHSA each day of that week, which is listed below.  Through increased awareness and community support, we can impact substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

Monday, May 21 - Prevention of Underage Drinking

Tuesday, May 22 - Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use

Wednesday, May 23 - Prevention of Alcohol Abuse

Thursday, May 24 - Suicide Prevention

Friday, May 25 - Promotion of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Well-Being

Funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Prevention Links will coordinate over the next five years development of a regional coalition whose mission is to assess the needs of Union County in order to enhance collaboration and coordinate prevention efforts that promote a drug free lifestyle and create a healthy community.  By 2017, the Union County Regional Coalition will create prevention prepared communities through a collaborative effort to reduce underage drinking, the use of opioids, prescription drugs and new and emerging drugs across the lifespan throughout Union County.  To become a member of the Union County Regional Coalition, please send your contact information to info@preventionlinks.org.