OCHN recognizes prevention week in May

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (May 6, 2022) – In recognition of National Prevention Week (NPW) observed the second week of May, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is joining nation-wide efforts to raise awareness to the significance of substance use prevention.

NPW is an annual observance initiated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that aims to involve communities, partnerships, and collaborations to raise awareness around substance use prevention.

“Prevention efforts through education are the first steps needed to reduce and end substance use disorders,” explains OCHN CEO and Executive Director Dana Lasenby, “OCHN contracts with 11 prevention service providers who work tirelessly during national Prevention Week and throughout the year to deliver important community messaging about the dangers of misusing drugs and benefits of making healthy life choices.”

According to SAMHSA, it is important for parents and guardians to talk to their children about alcohol and drug use as young as 5 to 7 years old. The average age that adolescents start to use substances is around age 12. Parents and guardians are the most influential factors on a child’s decisions, so it is crucial to discuss the risks associated with drug and alcohol use early to promote prevention.

OCHN is promoting NPW through our social media sites. This year’s health themes include:

• May 9: Strengthening Community Resilience: Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention
• May 10: Preventing Substance Use and Promoting Mental Health in Youth
• May 11: Preventing Suicide: Everyone Plays a Role
• May 12: The Talent Pipeline: Enhancing the Prevention Workforce
• May 13: Prevention is Everywhere: Highlighting Efforts Across Settings and Communities
• May 14: Celebrating Prevention Heroes

To learn more about Prevention Day, visit the SAMHSA website.

Visit oaklandchn.org for more information on SUD providers in Oakland County.

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network that assists approximately 23,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

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