NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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As part of Michigan’s efforts to prevent substance use disorder and increase mental health awareness, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recognizes National Prevention Week May 12-18 and celebrates the work of prevention providers across Michigan.
National Prevention Week is an opportunity to showcase the work of communities and organizations working to prevent and address substance use and promoting positive mental health.
“I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments and efforts of prevention workers across the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The diverse services they provide are essential in preventing substance misuse and increasing mental health awareness.”
In Michigan, prevention work led by MDHHS and community partners includes:
- Communities raising awareness of substance misuse and mental health issues, implementing prevention strategies and showcasing the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs.
- Fostering partnerships and collaborations with national, state and local agencies and organizations dedicated to improving public health.
- Promoting and disseminating quality substance use prevention and mental health promotion resources and publications.
- The impacts of prevention efforts in Michigan, including by MDHHS, over the last decade have contributed to positive outcomes, including:
- From 2011 to 2021 the percent of students who reported consuming at least one alcoholic drink within the past 30 days decreased significantly from 30.5 per cent to 16.7 per cent according to the Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
- The percentage of individuals using prescription pain relievers for nonmedical uses significantly decreased for all age groups from 2015 to 2022, especially for 18- to 25-year-olds with a 68 per cent decrease according to the National Survey for Drug Use and Health.
- The percent of high school students who reported smoking at least one cigarette during the past 30 days has decreased from 14 per cent to 10.5 per cent from 2011 to 2021 according to the Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
- The percent of youth reporting marijuana use in the past month slightly decreased from 8 per cent in 2015 to 7.1 per cent in 2022 according to the National Survey for Drug Use and Health.
Individuals struggling or experiencing a crisis, are urged to call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Information about prevention, treatment and other services is available online at Substance Use Prevention or here.
Michigan providers and residents can be part of the national conversation celebrating prevention by using the hashtag #MyPreventionStory on social media.
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