The Take Action Coalition (TAC) of Clinton County encourages everyone to break out their sidewalk chalk during National Prevention Week, May 8-14, to raise awareness about substance misuse and the promotion of mental health.
The nonprofit is promoting a “Chalk the Walk” event. It invites the community to write messages of hope and prevention on sidewalks at their homes, businesses, or wherever they can. “The goal is to inspire people,” said Deb Beckmann, a TAC member. “It’s all about positive messaging, awareness, and prevention. Too often, society overlooks or sweeps substance use and mental health disorders under the rug. By writing positive messages, we can help end the stigma.”
Year-round, TAC of Clinton County spreads awareness about substance use recovery, supports, prevention, and stigma reduction. “Everyone deserves respect and compassion. We want to raise awareness that it is OK to talk about your substance use or mental health disorder and not be judged for it. Being supported – rather than isolated or feared – leads to recovery,” said Beckmann.
Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors National Prevention Week, a public education platform that brings together communities and organizations to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. Daily themes this year include the following:
- Monday, May 9: Strengthening Community Resilience: Substance Misuse and Overdose Prevention
- Tuesday, May 10: Preventing Substance Use and Promoting Mental Health in Youth
- Wednesday, May 11: Preventing Suicide: Everyone Plays a Role
- Thursday, May 12: The Talent Pipeline: Enhancing the Prevention Workforce
- Friday, May 13: Prevention is Everywhere: Highlighting Efforts Across Settings and Communities
- Saturday, May 14: Celebrating Prevention Heroes
Local individuals, schools, businesses, or organizations can find inspiration for Chalk the Walk messages by emailing Deb Beckmann at dsbeckmann@chestnut.org. TAC encourages people to share photos of their sidewalk art and messages on the Coalition’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TakeActionCoalitionOfClintonCounty.
