We are the ones. How are you taking action? Everyone plays a role in prevention. Small actions make a big difference. Pledge your support and take action to prevent substance abuse and promote mental health in your own life and the lives of those in your community.

National Prevention Week is a new Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-supported annual health observance that will celebrate the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to help prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. This health observance is an opportunity for community members to learn more about behavioral health issues and get involved in prevention efforts that can continue throughout the year.

Prevention Week 2012 May Monday, May 21 Tuesday, May 22 Wednesday, May 23 Thursday, May 24 Friday, May 25 Prevention of Underage Drinking Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use Prevention of Alcohol Abuse Suicide Prevention Promotion of Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being

Personal Steps I will... Talk to others about the prevention of substance use and the promotion of mental, emotional and behavioral well-being. Learn about and support suicide prevention programs such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ( TALK [8255]) and the Trevor Project. Encourage my children, friends and/or family members to improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral health by promoting rest, a healthy diet, physical exercise, and time outdoors. Point loved ones in the direction of resources that can help them improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Talk with a friend or loved one who has been having a difficult time and discuss things that are bothering him/her. Spread the prevention message online by posting about and linking to National Prevention Week 2012 on my Facebook and Twitter pages, and on my blog or Web site.National Suicide Prevention LifelineTrevor ProjectresourcesNational Prevention Week 2012 Prevention Pledge

Community Steps I will... Attend a National Prevention Week 2012 event. Host a drug- and alcohol-free party or event. Be a role model in my community by abstaining from alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse, and illicit drug use. Volunteer with a community program or organization that provides support for at-risk populations such as youth, Tribal communities, and military families. Encourage my local school district to implement an alcohol and substance use prevention program and provide programs to promote students' mental health. Encourage friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones to sign the Prevention Pledge!National Prevention Week 2012 prevention program Prevention Pledge

I am More than Meets the Eye S1I&feature=player_embedded#t=0s In February 2011, SAMHSA launched the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Video Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest. SAMHSA asked young adults to create an original 15- or 30-second PSA that embraced the theme "We are the ones, how are you taking action?" and illustrated how young people are working to prevent substance abuse and promote mental health in their communities. Young adults were encouraged to consider what they're doing on a daily basis, and to recognize that small actions can make a big difference. This PSA is the contest winner and is titled, "I Am More Than Meets the Eye." It was made by a group of young adults and teenagers from Richmond, California who participate in the RYSE youth center, which aims to build youth leadership towards personal and community health and transformation. This PSA highlights the ways in which young people can focus on their own talents and inner strength to prevent substance abuse and promote emotional well-being in their community.

Quick Facts: Monday, May 21 Prevention of Underage Drinking Alcohol is implicated in nearly a third of youth traffic fatalities. It is also associated with violence, suicide, educational failure, and early sexual activity. Furthermore, alcohol can adversely affect the still developing adolescent brain. 40% of high school seniors in King County reported drinking alcohol in the past 30-days of the survey. While only 3% of 6 th graders in King County reported drinking alcohol, this increases to 11% of 8 th graders, 26% of 10 th graders, and 40% of 12 th graders. Rates for Illicit and illegal drug use among 12 th graders in King County were 40% for alcohol, 27% for marijuana, 15% for cigarettes, and 7% for other illegal drugs. 12th graders in Washington State who drink alcohol are more likely to get lower grades (C’s, D’s, F’s) in school compared with those students who do not drink. Source: Washington State Healthy Youth Survey 2010

Resources and Activities: Monday, May 21 Prevention of Underage Drinking Find out more about preventing underage drinking. The following are resources to help you get started: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Parents: The Anti-Drug, Above the Influence, Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking, Washington Drug Free Communities Coalition of Coalitions,

Quick Facts: Tuesday, May 22 Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use In the U.S., every 15 minutes a child under age 4 will overdose on drugs found at home. Source: TakeBackYourMeds.org In Washington State, 1,116 people died from unintentional poisoning. The causes of death were poisoning due to: prescription drugs 63%, illicit drugs 11%, combination of both 22%, and other 4%. Source: Washington State Death Certificate Data, % of high school seniors in King County reported abusing prescription drugs in the past 30-days of the survey. 2% of 10 th grade students in King County admitted taking pain killers from home or someone else’s home without their permission. Source: Washington State Healthy Youth Survey 2010 According to a May 2009 King County survey, 39% of heroin users reported they were “hooked on prescription-type opiates” before progressing to heroin. Source: Banta‐Green, C., et al. (2010).

Activities and Resources: Tuesday, May 22 Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use Prescription drugs and illicit drug abuse can be dangerous and deadly. Learn more: Take Back Your Meds website, ww.takebackyourmeds.orgww.takebackyourmeds.org SAMA Foundation, Parents: The Anti-Drug, Above the Influence, Partnership for a Drug Free America, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Washington Recovery Helpline, hour phone line (206) (TTY) or www.arecoveryhelpline.org

Quick Facts: Wednesday, May 23 Prevention of Alcohol Abuse Two out of five high school seniors in King County reported drinking alcohol in the past 30-days of the survey. Of these students, 14% were experimental drinkers, 12% heavy drinkers, and 14% problem drinkers. Source: Washington State Healthy Youth Survey 2010 The rate of alcohol-induced deaths in King County is 8.3 deaths per 100,000 people ( average). The majority of alcohol-induced deaths occurred among those years old (rate of 18.2) and those 65 years old or above (rate of 20.6). The highest rates of alcohol-induced deaths were among American Indians/ Native Americans (37.5) and Hispanics/ Latinos (14.6). The rates for Whites and African Americans were close to the average (8.8 and 8.0). The lowest rate was among Asian/ Pacific Islanders (1.5). Higher rates of alcohol-induced deaths occurred for those living in poverty (17.6 for high poverty households vs. 5.3 for low poverty households) Source: Washington State Department of Health,

Activities and Resources: Wednesday, May 23 Prevention of Alcohol Abuse Preventing alcohol abuse can save lives. The following are some resources to learn more: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Stop Underage Drinking, Washington Recovery Helpline, 24-hour telephone assistance (206) (TTY) or Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking,

Quick Facts: Thursday, May 24 Suicide Prevention More than 32,000 deaths by suicide occur each year in the US. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Washington’s 15- to 19-year-olds, with males being five times more likely than females to complete suicide. Firearms are the most common method of completed suicide among year olds in Washington. An average of two young people (10-24 years old), take their lives each week in Washington. Source: Washington State Department of Health; DOH Publication According to the 2010 Healthy Youth Survey, 17% of King County 10th graders considered attempting suicide. 12% made a suicide plan and 6% attempted suicide. Source: Washington State Healthy Youth Survey 2010

Activities and Resources: Thursday, May 24 Suicide Prevention Crisis Clinic 24-Hour Crisis Line: Offering an array of support services and immediate confidential assistance. (206) TDD (206) Information/Referral Line: Providing community resources. Youth Suicide Prevention Program: Prevention education program facilitating trainings and supporting communities in taking action. (206) National Suicide Hotline: SUICIDE, ( )

Quick Facts: Friday, May 25 Promotion of Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being Nearly two-thirds of teens with clinical depression go unnoticed and may not get treatment. During adolescence, girls are twice as likely as boys to develop depression. Source: Washington State Department of Health; DOH Publication According to a 2010 survey of King County students, 28% of 6 th graders and 30% of 8 th graders reported they had been bullied at school. Statewide, 12% of 6 th graders and 16% of 8 th graders who are bullied don’t feel safe at school, and 21% of 6 th graders and 29% of 8 th graders are more likely to get lower grades. For 12 th graders, 40.7% who experience bullying are depressed, and 31.5% who experience bullying have contemplated suicide. Nearly one-quarter of all 8 th and 10 th grade students in King County experienced profound sadness or hopelessness for two or more weeks that they stopped doing their usual activities. Source: Washington State Healthy Youth Survey 2010

Activities and Resources: Friday, May 25 Promotion of Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being King County Client Services: For questions about accessing mental health services in King County, call (206) , TTY (206) King County Crisis & Commitment Services: Evaluates for involuntary treatment, (206) To find a nearby mental health provider, call the Mental Health Plan Client Services Line at To find an alcohol/drug treatment provider, call the Washington Recovery Helpline at (206) (TTY) or Washington Connect: To apply online for mental/physical health coverage and other public services (or go to your local DSHS office for in-person applications) Children’s Crisis Outreach Response System (CCORS): Provides crisis services to children, youth and families in King County. Referrals are provided via the 24 Hour Crisis Line (206) King County Wraparound Initiative: Provides integrated family support services for youth involved in more than one system (such as mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education…etc.). Referrals are provided via the 24 Hour Crisis Line (206)

We are the ones. How are you taking action? Find out more: