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# SAMPLE NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK 2024 PROCLAMATION

Substance misuse and mental health problems affect all communities nationwide. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 70.3 million Americans ages 12 and older used illicit drugs in the past year.[endnoteRef:2] Nearly six million young people (aged 12 to 20) reported drinking alcohol in the past month.[endnoteRef:3] Nearly twenty-three percent of Americans (64 million people) aged 12 and older used tobacco products or used an e-cigarette or other vaping device to vape nicotine in the past month.[endnoteRef:4] Additionally, in 2022, 8.5 million Americans misused prescription pain relievers.[endnoteRef:5] [2:  Substace Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023).  2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. [Table 1.1A].]  [3:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. [Table 2.1A] ]  [4:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. [Table 2.1B]. ]  [5:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. [Table 1.45A].] 

With commitment and support, these and other substance misuse and mental health issues can be prevented. The focus of **National Prevention Week** is to change the prevention landscape by providing evidence-based and accessible resources to facilitate collective action and story-sharing. By showcasing the work of our partners in prevention, we can confront the societal challenges surrounding substance misuse together while celebrating stories of prevention.

That’s a message we need to spread far and wide. An estimated 29.5 million people ages 12 and older in America were classified as having alcohol misuse disorder in the past year, and about 59.3 million adults had a mental illness.[endnoteRef:6],vi The impact of mental and substance misuse disorders is apparent in our local community: An estimated [XX THOUSAND/MILLION]****people in [CITY OR STATE]****are affected by these conditions. We have the power to change these numbers, and more importantly, change lives. [6:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. [Table 5.1A].vi Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. [Table 6.1A].] 

Through **National Prevention Week**, people become more aware and able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders. Equally important, community members from all walks of life learn how they can help implement prevention strategies and showcase the effectiveness of evidence-based programs.

We, and others across the United States, need to recognize the seriousness of substance use and mental health issues in our communities, the power of prevention, and the tireless efforts of those 

working to make a difference. The small, daily actions done by individuals, combined with the actions of families, communities, and coalitions, come together to make up the larger, bold movement of prevention. For the above reasons, I am asking the citizens of [CITY OR STATE]****to join me in celebrating **National Prevention Week 2024**this May.

I, [NAME AND TITLE OF ELECTED OFFICIAL], do hereby proclaim May 12-18, 2024, as

**NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK** in **[CITY OR STATE]** and call upon our community to join us this week in celebrating the compelling programs and events that support increasing awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders year-round.

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Signature

**[INSERT CITY/STATE OR OTHER OFFICIAL SEAL]**

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