samhsa.gov/prevention-week 

As you begin planning your organization’s or group’s 

event or initiative to be featured during National 

Prevention Week, you’ll want to consider the many 

factors that will help you plan and host an effective 

event or activity. 

By clearly identifying the issues and topics your event will address, 

setting achievable goals and defining success up front, establishing a 

clear budget, determining the type and size of event you’ll be hosting, 

and creating a realistic timeline, your organization or group will be 

able to execute a successful event that strengthens your relationship 

with the community and connects your efforts to a nationwide health 

observance. Here are some ideas on how to plan an event that promotes 

substance misuse prevention and positive mental health. 

Who to Include 

Once you know the goals of your event, deciding who to include becomes a little easier. Consider partnering with other 

organizations to strengthen your event and maximize attendance. Additionally, if any members of your community 

can speak about the benefits of substance use prevention and mental health promotion, ask them to participate— 

event attendees may benefit greatly from personal stories or an inspiring speaker. You can also check the National 

Prevention Week website to see other events that may be occurring in your geographic location and build connections 

in your community or state to increase participation in your event. 

Tell SAMHSA about your 

National Prevention Week 

event! Submit details 

about your event for a 

chance to be featured in 

future National Prevention 

Week activities or 

promotional materials. 

TIP

Consider talking to other 

local organizations that have 

hosted events to find out 

which venues they prefer and 

to get recommendations for 

vendor services. 

TIP 

TIPS FOR PLANNING 

YOUR EVENT 

Where and When 

The type of event you are holding and who you choose to invite will 

help you determine the appropriate venue. Keep in mind how many 

people you are inviting and how many people you expect to actually 

attend. As you determine the date and time, be sure to note if other 

events are taking place at the same time that may compete with 

your event. If you want to host an indoor event, you can save costs by 

considering sites that are free to community organizations. If you are 

hosting your event outdoors, be sure to have an indoor backup location 

or rain date in case of inclement weather. Outdoor venues often require 

permits, so be sure to secure necessary permits in advance. 
samhsa.gov/prevention-week 

Keeping Success and Outcomes in Mind 

It may seem counterintuitive to think about the intended results of your event before you’ve even begun to plan it. 

However, deciding what a successful event looks like or what you want to achieve through your National Prevention 

Week event will help you determine the type of activity or event that best suits your needs. For example, your goals 

and measurable outcomes may be short- and long-term and include: 

• Raising awareness of your organization, as measured by placement of media stories about your prevention 

events or activities that will be seen by hundreds of people. 

• Fundraising through independent donors and partners, as measured by donations. 

• Increasing community awareness about ways to get involved in preventing substance misuse and addressing 

mental health concerns through educational events, as measured by attendance, enrollment in community 

programs, and recruitment of volunteers. 

• Reducing problem behaviors, for example, implementation of social hosting policies or other types of mental 

health or substance use legislation. 

• Educating community members through the development of a new publication or product, as measured by 

distribution or downloads of the product. 

• Expanding your organization’s reach over time by collaborating with local partners on joint programming, 

as measured by total reach and attendance, number of events, and information from participant feedback 

surveys. 

Determining your ultimate goals upfront will help your organization or group plan an event that achieves meaningful 

short- and long-term outcomes. 

Budget 

It’s important that you align your goals with an event plan that meets your needs and fits within your budget. 

As you’re planning your event or activity, think about the power of in-kind support and volunteered time. When 

contacting local vendors and organizations with requests, consider offering to volunteer your time in return for a 

service or rental space for your event or activity. Your willingness to help clean a community center or plant flowers in 

a garden may inspire some kind of trade, such as a few hours of free time at a venue that would otherwise be beyond 

your budget. 

Organizations with any budget can make a difference in prevention! 

TELL SAMHSA ABOUT YOUR NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK EVENT OR ACTIVITY! 

Submit details about your event or activity for a chance to be featured in future 

National Prevention Week promotional materials.