For the first time in years, there’s encouraging news in the fight against the overdose crisis. According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 80,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2024—30,000 fewer than the year before, marking a 27% decrease and the largest single-year decline ever recorded. This milestone reflects the impact of prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across the country and reinforces the urgent need to continue investing in strategies that save lives.
National Prevention Week 2025: A Time to Act, A Time to Celebrate
Drug Free America Foundation proudly joins communities nationwide in recognizing National Prevention Week 2025, a public education platform led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Held annually during the second week of May, National Prevention Week showcases the incredible work of individuals, organizations, and communities who are committed to preventing substance use and misuse and promoting positive mental health.
Why Prevention Matters Now More Than Ever
The need for strong prevention strategies has never been more urgent. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 70.5 million people aged 12 or older (that’s nearly 1 in 4 Americans) used illicit drugs in the past year. Marijuana was the most commonly used, followed by hallucinogens and the misuse of prescription pain relievers. These findings underscore the critical importance of investing in prevention today to protect the health and well-being of future generations.
Prevention in Action: Raising Awareness and Building Resilience
This observance highlights the importance of raising awareness about substance use and mental health challenges through data-driven prevention strategies and evidence-based programs that have proven effective in creating healthier, safer communities. It also serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and community experience in improving public health outcomes and building strong, lasting partnerships.
National Prevention Week is about more than just awareness—it’s about sharing knowledge, disseminating high-quality resources, and empowering people with the tools they need to live healthy, substance-free lives.
Explore the array of activities available on the National Prevention Week platform, and delve into highlights from our new initiative, TSAFI!
Showcasing our newest initiative: The Trauma & SUD Action Force Initiative (TSAFI)
The Trauma & SUD Action Force Initiative (TSAFI) is an international effort committed to bridging the gap in trauma-informed care within Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services—from prevention and treatment to recovery—using approaches grounded in neuroscience and scientific evidence.
TSAFI unites experts, organizations, and decision-makers to promote the recognition and integration of trauma within all aspects of SUD care.
By combining insights from neuroscience and psychology, TSAFI addresses the neurological and social dimensions of trauma, ensuring a comprehensive and informed response to its role in SUD.
Discover more here or get involved by reaching out to tsafi@wfad.se or visiting https://tsafi.wfad.se/.
This May, in honor of Mental Heath Awareness Month, TSAFI is hosting a global campaign, “Breaking the Myths on Trauma in Addiction.” Check it out on our socials and see some samples below!
Facebook: @DrugFreeAmericaFndn
Instagram: @drugfreeamericafoundation
Twitter: @DrugFreeAmerica
National Prevention Week Activities
Post Prevention Week on Your Social Media!
#NationalPreventionWeek25 is a health education platform that promotes new ideas and initiatives to help keep communities healthy & safe. Join us as we celebrate the substance use and misuse #prevention and #mentalhealth efforts happening nationwide! Learn more: samhsa.gov/prevention-week
Share Your #MyPreventionStory
Download the Prevention Fill-It-In sheet to help you write your prevention story. Then print the My Prevention Story card and write why prevention is important to you. Share on social media using the hashtag, #MyPreventionStory in your post. Encourage others to share their perspective.
Play Prevention Bingo
Have fun with prevention by downloading the Prevention Bingo sheet and play Bingo! Upload a photo on social media and use the hashtag, #NationalPreventionWeek25.
Try this interactive version.
Complete a Prevention Crossword Puzzle
How well do you know about prevention? Play this interactive crossword puzzle now.
Prevention Word Search
How fast can you find words related to prevention and mental health? Print this word search and take a photo on social media using the hashtag, #NationalPreventionWeek25.
Prevention This or That?
Save the Prevention This or That? image to your phone, then upload to your Instagram or Facebook story by selecting the “+ your story” button and selecting the image. Select the “draw” button to circle your selection for each category. When finished, upload and use the hashtag, #NationalPreventionWeek25.
Invest in Prevention to Save Lives and Keep Families Together
Can you make a difference today by donating to Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF)? Your contribution directly supports DFAF’s efforts in developing strategies and educational programs aimed at preventing drug use and fostering sustained recovery. Prevention initiatives not only keep families together but also save lives. Plus, your donation is tax deductible. Click here to make a difference today.
