Health Department Observes National Prevention Week, May 20-26

Posted May 20, 2012 11:00 pm

Lake County Health Department

National Prevention Week is a new annual health observance that celebrates the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

The theme of this year's National Prevention Week is: We are the ones. How are you taking action? It highlights the fact that everyone can play a role in prevention by making changes – big or small – that promote a healthy lifestyle at home and in the community. In observance of this week, the Lake County Health Department's Prevention Services program is asking individuals and communities to reflect on what they can do to prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

Prevention involves both large and small actions – such as volunteering, participating in community organizations or healthy activities, and talking with youth and neighbors –which together contribute to healthier and more vibrant communities.

The Prevention Services program encourages Lake County residents to reach out to local community coalitions working on reducing youth substance use. Call Prevention Services at: (847) 377-8770 to find out about local substance abuse prevention coalitions with volunteer opportunities.

The Prevention Services program staff members actively participate in community coalitions that work to reduce youth substance use, such as the Lake County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force, Coalition for Healthy Communities, Barrington Area Drug Prevention Coalition, Parents The Anti-Drug, Mundelein Stand Up, and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Speak Up! Additionally, they are working with schools, such as fifth and sixth graders in Zion, teaching students life skills that will help them become healthy and successful adults. They also are working on prevention campaigns at several high schools.

For more information, visit the Prevention Services web page at: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/PreventionServices/Pages/Default.aspx

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