Sen. Tony Hwang (at podium) on May 14 joined Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon (at left) in proclaiming Prevention Week in Connecticut, in an effort to increase public awareness of, and action around, substance misuse and mental health issues.
Senator Hwang joins DMHAS Commissioner in Proclaiming Prevention Week in Connecticut
State Senator Tony Hwang joined Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon in proclaiming this week, May 13-19, 2018, as Prevention Week in Connecticut, joining the nation for National Prevention Week in an effort to increase public awareness of, and action around, substance misuse and mental health issues.
“National Prevention Week is not only a chance for us to increase awareness and share valuable information with community members about the prevention of unhealthy behaviors, such as substance use and self-harm,” said (DMHAS) Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, “It’s also an opportunity for us all to take positive steps to improve our own mental health and wellness, while continuing to work together for healthier communities across the state.”
“Everyone can play key role in keeping our communities and state healthy,” said Sen. Hwang. “By talking about alcohol and drug misuse and modeling appropriate use around the young people in our lives we create communities that are healthier and more resilient. It is important to remove the social stigma of substance abuse and mental health issues. We need to recognize and treat the illness, not societal perceptions of weakness. I also want to acknowledge and thank all the counselors, educators and medical professionals who make positive contributions to a healthier Connecticut.”
This year, the theme for National Prevention Week is Action Today. Healthier Tomorrow. and will focus on the following topics:
- Prevention of Prescription & Opioid Drug Misuse: Wednesday, May 16
- Prevention of Illicit Drug Use & Youth Marijuana Use: Thursday, May 17
- Prevention of Suicide: Friday, May 18
- Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use: Saturday, May 19
DMHAS kicked off Prevention Week with a Health and Wellness Fair at the State Capitol in Hartford that featured preventive health screenings, therapy dogs, chair massages, giveaways and more.
For more information about National Prevention Week, please visit the DMHAS webpage at www.ct.gov/dmhas/npw.
