National Prevention Week 2021

5/9/2021 8:00 am to 5/15/2021 5:00 pm

National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders. The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:

  • Involve communities in raising awareness of substance use and mental health issues and in implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs; 
  • Foster partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to improving public health; and
  • Promote and disseminate quality substance use prevention and mental health promotion resources and publications.

We know communities make prevention happen every day – not just during NPW – and NPW is the perfect time to promote and celebrate a year’s worth of prevention efforts, as well as get news, ideas, and resources to strengthen daily, weekly, and monthly prevention activities.

Each year, National Prevention Week includes daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. The 2021 daily themes are:


Monday, May 10: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse


Tuesday, May 11: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse


Wednesday, May 12: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use


Thursday, May 13: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-Cigarettes and Vaping)


Friday, May 14: Preventing Suicide


For resources to plan your next National Prevention Week, visit SAMHSA's National Prevention Week website.