Podcasts, Reality Parties and Panel Discussions are some of the activities scheduled by L.A. Prevention Providers as they observe National Prevention Week. Every May, communities and organizations across the country come together for National Prevention Week to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and mental health promotion.

Raising awareness of prevention resources is especially needed this year as drug overdose deaths rose by nearly 50% in 2020, compared to the same time period in 2019, and binge drinking increased during the first few months of the pandemic. Research from the L.A. County Department of Public Health shows that most of the drug overdoses were fatal combinations of meth and fentanyl. Cannabis outlets are considered essential businesses in California, and have remained open during the pandemic, potentially increasing the opportunities for youth to access cannabis products.

Prevention week activities are opportunities to highlight resources and information available through various agencies and in many locations around LA County. Check out our daily event schedule for more information!