Every Person. Every Community. Prevention Together – It Matters!

At SAFE Project, we believe prevention saves lives. That’s why we use proven prevention strategies in all we do, going beyond a simple “Just Say No” message and focusing on a full approach: preventing issues before they start (primary prevention); responding early when concerns appear (secondary prevention); and reducing harm and improving quality of life (tertiary prevention).

October may be National Substance Use Prevention Month, but prevention doesn’t begin or end with a calendar month. It is an ongoing commitment to taking intentional, proactive actions that strengthen protective factors, reduce risk, and create healthier environments where people can thrive. October allows us to shine a light on the power of prevention – but its greatest impact comes from the actions we take, the connections we build, and the communities we strengthen in each month of the year. Because prevention isn’t a single event or message – it’s something we can all be part of, every person, every community, every day.

Take Action

Prevention is needed now more than ever as our country works to combat the substance, overdose, and mental health crises that have seriously impacted individuals, families, and communities nationwide.

Join the No Shame Movement: There is #NoShame in getting help or in talking about mental health and addiction. Join us in creating a nationwide movement to end stigma and support others in speaking up about their own disorders — sign the No Shame Pledge today!

Check out the Prevention Points Segments to learn more about prevention, protective factors, and relationship building!

Prevention Month Webinars

From Risk to Resilience: How to Support Youth Affected by Substance Use Disorders & Mental Health Challenges

October 14 • 12:00 PM ET

Growing up isn’t always easy! As caring adults, we understand that challenges such as substance use, mental health challenges, and other stressors can make the journey feel like an uphill climb. Together, we can assure young people that they are not alone, and that a community of caring adults cares about them and their futures. details.

Message from the Senior Director of Prevention

Ronna Yablonski

October is National Prevention Month, a time to shine a brighter light on something that matters every day: Prevention!

Prevention works best when it is intentional, proactive and woven into our every lives. It is far more than a single event, a one-time “drug talk”, or assembly. It is found in caring relationships, supportive schools, healthy communities, informed policies, and opportunities that help people live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives. Rest assured, prevention isn’t about striving for perfection rather it’s about progress and growth.

Whether we prevent challenges before they start (primary prevention), respond early when concerns arise (secondary prevention), or reduce harm and improve quality of life (tertiary prevention), each type of prevention involves everyday actions that strengthen protective factors while reducing risks.

Without going too deep into the science of prevention, I’d like to share one important principle based on the risk and protective framework. From this framework, we learn that Protective Factors are qualities and conditions that support our health and well-being. Think of personal strengths, supportive family relationships, positive school environments, and connected communities. Protective factors can look different for everyone. They aren’t something we are just born with; we can build and strengthen them over time. They’re also interconnected. When we work on one factor, like personal connections, it can help us grow in other areas. Protective Factors are good! To help with identifying and building protective factors, check out our prevention point segments on the topic. Each segment offers a hands on worksheet that is downloadable and ready for use.

Prevention Month reminds us that parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, employers, youth-serving organizations, faith communities, policymakers, and community members all play an important role in prevention. Every Person. Every Community. Prevention Together – It Matters!

Are You Curious About Prevention?

Reach out; I’d love to connect, learn from you, and explore possible ways we could do amazing prevention work together.

In-Home Medication Disposal

Partnering with NarcX

Make safe medication disposal part of your prevention routine. Safely disposing of medications as soon as they are no longer needed helps create safer homes and reduces opportunities for misuse. It’s a simple, proactive step we can all take—and one that can make a life-saving difference.

NarcX Website

In-Home Disposal

Simply Neuroscience Partnership

Special Announcement Coming Soon!

Learn More

The Overdose Report

Featuring Ronna Yablonski

Ronna brings more than 20 years of experience in youth substance use prevention and community-based work to the conversation.

Listen Here

The Pulse of Prevention

Featuring Ronna Yablonski

Ronna Yablonski’s message highlights why youth involvement isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Check it out as she shares her experience.

Watch Here

The Pulse of Prevention

Featuring Jeff Horwitz

Jeff Horwitz, SAFE Project CEO, discussed the addiction epidemic and why overdose deaths among teens remain high.

Watch Here

Just Say Something

Featuring Cal Beyer

Cal Beyer, Sr. Director of SAFE Workplaces, discusses prevention, substance use, and mental health.

Watch Here

Hear from Members of our Youth VOICE Council

We are showcasing real-world examples of prevention in action, highlighting the innovation of young people who are making a difference every day. Through these stories, we celebrate what’s possible when we take proactive steps to strengthen health and well-being. Together, these stories demonstrate that prevention matters and that we all have a role to play.

Danielle Choi

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Ronit Ginde

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So Eun Kang

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