National Prevention Month

WHEREAS, the theme of 2015’s National Prevention Week is “The Voice of One, the Power of All;” and

WHEREAS, the theme emphasizes the important role that individuals and communities alike have in helping people lead health, productive lives; and

WHEREAS, this observance is an opportunity to join with other individuals, organizations and coalitions in your community to promote prevention efforts, educate others about behavioral health issues and create and strengthen community partnerships. In particular, “The Voice of One, the Power of All” supports the concept that effective prevention of mental and substance use disorders requires consistent action and aligns with two initiatives including Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness and Public Awareness and Support; 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; and

WHEREAS, almost half of these deaths occur among people with mental and substance use disorders. An estimated three million persons aged 12 and older used an illicit drug for the first time within the past 12 months. An average of 8,100 initiates per day and one estimate puts the total economic costs of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among youth in the United States at approximately $247 billion; and

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

WHEREAS, the National Prevention Strategy 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 to improve health through prevention. Our nation has continued development of a cross-sector, integrated national strategy that identifies priorities for improving the health of Americans; and

WHEREAS, through these partnerships and the theme, “The Voice of One, the Power of All,” the National Prevention Strategy will improve America’s health by helping to create healthy and safe communities, expand clinical and community-based preventive services, empower people to make healthy choices and eliminate health disparities:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 2015, as

National Prevention Month

in the state of the Alabama.