Providence Joins In National Prevention Week Celebration

From May 20-26, communities all over the country are celebrating the first annual National Prevention Week.

Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Prevention Week is an annual health observance that celebrates the work that community organizations and individuals do year-round to help prevent substance abuse and promote mental, emotional and behavioral well-being. On Tuesday, Mayor Taveras signed a proclamation recognizing National Prevention Week and encouraging all Providence residents to commit to prevention in their own lives and their communities.

One easy way all Providence residents can participate in National Prevention Week is by signing SAMHSA's "Prevention Pledge" to commit to a healthy lifestyle free of substance abuse and then to share their promise with friends, family, and loved ones to help raise awareness.

In addition, all Providence residents are encouraged to attend two major events next week to promote prevention.

On Thursday, May 31st, from 6:30 to 8pm at the Christian Community Church (353 Elmwood Avenue), Mayor Taveras will host a Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking. Other participants will include Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Paré and Jim Gillen of the Anchor Recovery Center. This event is open to the community and is focusing on teens and their parents, as well as organizations that work with teens and their parents. Spanish translation and refreshments will be available

Also on Thursday, May 31st at 4pm at the Rhode Island State House rotunda, please join tobacco prevention advocates from Providence and around the state for World No Tobacco Day, to help raise public awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Speakers will include Mayor Angel Taveras, Governor Lincoln Chafee, and Providence State Senator Juan Pichardo.

More information on both events is available at the Mayor's Substance Abuse Prevention Council website, www.msapc.org.