End Substance Use Disorder Statement on National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month

Today, President Biden proclaimed October as National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. The proclamation calls on communities to take action to promote the health and safety of children and young Americans through the adoption of proven prevention programs. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“Every parent deserves the peace of mind in knowing their children are safe from substance use disorder and overdose,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “The opportunities to reduce the risk for substance use disorder start at birth and are greatest during our teenage years, when our brains undergo the most development. Every family should have access to the support needed to keep their children healthy and well.”

Prevention is a key pillar of End Substance Use Disorder’s plan to save lives and promote healing. Under this plan, End Substance Use Disorder has supported solutions rooted in science that are proven to reduce substance use disorder. These solutions include programs that promote healthy newborn and early childhood development like the Nurse-Family Partnership and Communities That Care. In addition, End Substance Use Disorder has called for pediatricians to integrate screening for substance use into their practices, which can cut alcohol and drug use in half. We have proven tools to support our youth in leading fulfilling lives and have the opportunity to implement them more broadly to promote health and wellbeing.

The president’s proclamation can be read here.