By: Stefanie Williams, Preventionist

Prevention is more than “Preventing”.  It is more than the act of stopping something from happening. Prevention is… people-centered on education, knowledge, de-stigmatization, building confidence, resilience, and more. Some may ask “Why does Prevention matter?” Prevention matters because as a community we collectively strive to help others in becoming the best possible version of themselves in the healthiest way possible. Prevention at large starts in our early years and is carried with us into late adulthood, however, there is no concrete time where it must start or end, it can be boundless.

Prevention matters because even if you have struggled with substance misuse, prevention knowledge, de-stigmatization, and mental health matter at all phases of life. Prevention encompasses more than drugs and alcohol, it includes suicide prevention, underage drinking prevention, overdose prevention, and so much more. The more we come together as a community and talk about “Why Prevention Matters”, the healthier and safer we can be.