In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, CEO Phil Clark is focusing on National Prevention Week 2025 (May 11-17). This SAMHSA-hosted observance week promotes substance use prevention and positive mental health across communities nationwide.
Clark shares statistics: nearly 40 million Americans aged 12+ struggle with substance use disorder, while mental health challenges affect one in five adults annually. However, evidence-based prevention programs work, every dollar invested saves multiple dollars in treatment costs.
National Prevention Week occurs in May strategically, coinciding with the school year's end and summer's beginning when youth face increased risks. Clark highlights SAMHSA's year-round resources including the Talk They Hear You campaign and Strategic Prevention Framework for communities.
Essential support resources include SAMHSA's national helpline (1-800-662-HELP), the 988 crisis line, and findtreatment.gov for local treatment options. Clark also mentions Just Say Something's Power Collective initiative entering its third year.
Listeners can participate in National Prevention Week by attending local events, educating themselves, advocating for prevention programs, and incorporating prevention strategies into daily life. Clark concludes by sharing Just Say Something's seven-step process for difficult family conversations: breathe, start talking, be imperfect, listen, validate, hug, and smile.
As Clark emphasizes, "Prevention works, prevention is cost-effective, and prevention saves lives."
Learn more about Just Say Something: justsaysomethingsc.org
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