Prevention Week

WHEREAS, the theme of 2013’s National Prevention Week is “Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.” which places an emphasis on the fact that the prevention of substance abuse and promotion of mental health starts with the choices each of us make in our own life; and

WHEREAS, National Prevention Week is an opportunity to join individuals, organizations and coalitions throughout the state to promote prevention efforts, educate others about behavioral health issues, and create and strengthen community partnerships; and

WHEREAS, each year, approximately 5,000 youth under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; annually, tobacco use results in more deaths (443,000 per year) than AIDS, unintentional injuries, suicide, homicide and alcohol and drug abuse combined; almost half of these deaths occur among people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders; in addition, an estimated 2.9 million persons ages 12 and older used an illicit drug for the first time within the past year; an average of 8,000 initiates per day; one estimate puts the total economic costs of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders among youth in the U.S. at approximately $247 billion; and

WHEREAS, all people inherently have the right to be accepted, and treated with respect and dignity; through our choices, we can set an example of health and well-being for others; with our voices, whether spoken or written, we can raise awareness of behavioral health issues and help create healthier and safer communities; and

WHEREAS, our nation has continued the development of a cross-sector, integrated strategy that identifies priorities for improving the health of Americans called the National Prevention Strategy; the NPS encourages partnerships among federal, state, tribal, local and territorial governments; business, industry and other private sector partners; philanthropic organizations; community and faith-based organizations; and everyday Americans in order to improve health through prevention; and

WHEREAS, this year’s theme aligns with two priorities in the NPS: prevention of substance abuse and mental illness, and raising public awareness and support; through this theme and the partnerships NPS encourages, America’s health will be improved by creating healthy and safe communities, expanding clinical and community-based preventive services, empowering people to make healthy choices and eliminating health disparities; and

WHEREAS, it is critical to educate communities, policymakers, friends and family members, health care providers and businesses about mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and that people should seek assistance for these conditions with the same urgency as they would any other health condition:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of May 12 through May 18, 2013, as

Prevention Week

in the state of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 17th day of April 2013.

Robert Bentley, Governor