Advocating for Prevention
Every year in May, CPA conducts a wide variety of important prevention advocacy activities. Prevention Week occurs in tandem with National Prevention Week hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This annual public education platform brings together communities and organizations to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.
“PA Prevention Week aims to promote prevention year-round,” says Jeff Hanley, CPA Executive Director. “Prevention happens in all of our communities, and we ask prevention professionals, organizations, and coalitions to use this week to advocate for their programming, recognize local prevention partners and champions, and use social media to highlight their prevention successes.”
During Prevention Week, CPA announces the winners and recognizes all nominees of its Annual PA Prevention Awards, celebrating exemplary prevention efforts occurring across our state. In 2023, more than 100 individuals, coalitions, and teams from across Pennsylvania were nominated and CPA partners hosted regional events to recognize the winners and nominees and celebrate their amazing contributions to the community and field of prevention.
Thank you to everyone who participated in PA Prevention Week 2023 and helped us celebrate the incredible work of prevention professionals across the state! We are always stronger when we work together.