Prevention Week raises awareness on substance abuse, mental health

Schools across the country are participating in National Prevention Week from May 13 through May 19, an annual effort to educate students and communities on substance abuse and mental health issues.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Prevention Week has three goals: to “nvolve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies; foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications.”

To do so, each day of the week was given a different theme: Monday’s focus was on promoting mental health and wellness, Tuesday’s focus was on preventing underage drinking, Wednesday’s focus was on preventing prescription drug misuse, and Thursday’s focus was on preventing illicit drug use. Friday and Saturday will focus on suicide prevention and youth tobacco use, respectively.

To kick-off National Prevention Week, Aimee Schell, nurse for Lind-Ritzville Schools, Washtucna, and Harrington, led prevention assemblies on Monday, working to educate students on the consequences of substance abuse and the importance of mental health.

Guest speakers for the assembly included Jared O’Connor of Washington Poison Control, who discussed e-vaporization, Marie Peterson of Spokane’s Youth ‘N Action who approached suicide prevention from a youth perspective, and Dr. Marty Sackmann of Hometown Family Medicine who connected the topics of marijuana, opioids, and mental health.

Peterson informed the audience that in Washington state, a suicide occurs every eight hours, meaning that six times as many deaths are attributed to suicide than homicide.

An anonymous LRHS senior reflected, “I’m not sure why, but this statistic stood out to me. Maybe because I did not realize that suicide was such a huge issue.”

In context with suicide prevention, Spencer Gering explained, “It’s important that people of all ages dealing with these problems understand that there are peers and educated personnel to assist them in times of need.”

“A message that stood out to me from the assembly is that you are never alone. There is always someone there to talk with and comfort you,” Gering added.

On the topic of alcohol and drug misuse, SAMHSA reports that in 2017, “close to 20 million people in need of substance abuse treatment did not receive it.”

From the assembly, students recognize the importance of education on substance abuse and suicide prevention in combating this statistic.

“Although education on the subject may bring tension to the room, I feel that it’s necessary to spread awareness. It’s the type of subject that you’d rather be safe than sorry over,” reflected Alarah Pierce-Pulliam.

“If an individual knows how easily people get addicted to certain drugs, such as opioids, it may decrease the likelihood of opioid addiction or dependence,” the anonymous senior said.

They added, “If a person receives any form of education about suicide prevention, they possess the knowledge needed to help them or another out of the inextricable pit that is depression.”

It should also be noted that the timing of National Prevention Week is not random. “Adolescents and full-time college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July, according to SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health,” the agency’s website reported.

They continued, “The timing of National Prevention Week provides an opportunity for schools and organizations to host prevention-themed events before the school year ends, raising awareness about this important issue among students and their families.”

Given the objective of National Prevention Week is to raise awareness and stimulate action, families of students and community members alike should use this opportunity to have meaningful conversations about substance use and mental health.