Governor Robert Bentley recently proclaimed May 12-18 as Prevention Week in Alabama, coinciding with the National Prevention Week observance. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, NPW is dedicated to increasing awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. It serves to promote prevention efforts, provide education about behavioral health and strengthen community partnerships.

This year's theme, "Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.," emphasizes that the prevention of substance abuse and promotion of mental health starts with the choices people make in their own lives.

Dr. Maranda Brown, director of the Office of Prevention Services in ADMH’s Division of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, says, “The Office of Prevention Services is extremely excited to celebrate the 2nd annual NPW observance.

Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey will launch the “Ending Child Hunger in Alabama” campaign at Wares Ferry Road Elementary School in Montgomery, Monday, April 29, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.. “Ending Child Hunger in Alabama” is the first initiative of the newly established Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University. Lieutenant Governor Ivey serves as the campaign spokesperson.

With nearly one-third of Alabama’s children living in families that experience food hardships, the goal of the campaign is to move Alabama into the top 25% of states with the highest degree of child food security by 2020.

ADMH is encouraging the public to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by safely discarding of unwanted and unused prescription drugs at collection sites throughout the state. Take Back Day will be held this Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local collection sites can be found by visiting www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

This effort represents the sixth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The DEA, as well as state and local law enforcement, collaborate to offer the initiative. Last September, Americans turned in 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites.