Memorandum
Date: May 11, 2021
To: The Honorable Bruno Sabatier, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Todd Metcalf, M.P.A.
Behavioral Health Services Director
Subject: Consideration of presentation from LCBHS staff on National Prevention Week (May 9-15 2021) activities as well as highlight the work done year-round to support prevention of behavioral health challenges and needs in our community.
Executive Summary: In order to raise awareness about National Prevention Week and the work done by Lake County Behavioral Health Services year-round, LCBHS staff request an audience with the BOS and also the community for a brief presentation during the 05/11/2021 BOS meeting. This presentation is estimated to take about 15 minutes, 5 of which are dedicated for a short question and answer period.
National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders. This week also falls during the month of Mental Health Awareness, however is especially dedicated to focusing on the power of prevention to ameliorate behavioral health challenges in our communities.
Each year, National Prevention Week includes daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. The 2021 daily themes are:
Monday, May 10: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse
Tuesday, May 11: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
Wednesday, May 12: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use
Thursday, May 13: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-Cigarettes and Vaping)
Friday, May 14: Preventing Suicide
National Prevention Week (NPW) is held each year during May. Originally, SAMHSA chose this timing because it is near the start of summer, an important time for school, communities, and prevention professionals to re-focus on prevention. Adolescents and full-time college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July, accordi...
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