North Dakota marks Substance Use Prevention Month by highlighting the power of prevention

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is proud to join partners across the state and nation in recognizing October as Substance Use Prevention Month as declared by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. View proclamation.

The important work of prevention happens every day. Substance Use Prevention Month is an opportunity to celebrate these year-round initiatives and the possibilities prevention brings.

Prevention is powerful - it saves lives, strengthens communities and is cost-effective. Alcohol use among North Dakota high school students has decreased from 35.3% in 2013 to 19.5% reporting in 2023 (Youth Risk Behavior Survey). Additionally, the percentage of North Dakota high school students who reported their first drink of alcohol before the age of 13 decreased from 15.2% in 2013 to 11.4% in 2023.

Everyone has a role in creating a healthier North Dakota. By investing in prevention across families, schools, neighborhoods, and local coalitions, we do more than reduce harm - we create stronger, more connected places where people thrive.

"Prevention is about giving people the tools and support they need to live well," said Tori Reiner, HHS community prevention administrator. "When families talk openly, when schools and communities work together, and when North Dakotans share their stories of prevention and resilience, we see the true power of prevention. Together, we are building hope and healthier futures."

Prevention Resources for North Dakota

HHS offers a Substance Use Prevention Month Toolkit to provide easy to use resources and materials for increasing awareness of substance use prevention in your community. The toolkit includes:

• Community press release templates, school resource materials, and newsletter content

• Parent engagement tools and conversation guides

• Evidence, data and guidance on effective prevention

The toolkit is available at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention-month.

Families also play a vital role. Parents Lead offers trusted resources for parents, caregivers and other adults to open conversations, set expectations and model healthy behavior. During October, Parents Lead is offering a billboard contest, giving students the chance to design a powerful, eye-catching message that encourages peers and community members to live substance-free. Visit parentslead.org/billboard-contest to learn more.

Get Involved

Prevention is everyone's story. This October - and beyond - North Dakotans are invited to:

• Parents and caregivers: Talk early and often with children about the risks of substance use; find tips at parentslead.org.

• Students and families: Share your prevention message through the statewide Parents Lead Billboard Contest at parentslead.org.

• Schools and educators: Integrate prevention into classrooms and foster resiliency.

• Businesses and employers: Share prevention resources with employees and promote healthy workplace policies.

• Law enforcement and community partners: Use evidence-based strategies like compliance checks and community coalitions.

• Everyone: View the Substance Use Prevention Month Toolkit at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention-month, connect with local coalitions, and share your prevention story.

During Substance Use Prevention Month, HHS invites you to help make North Dakota a place where prevention is the norm and every person has the chance to thrive. This month, take one step, have a conversation, share a resource, tell your story or join a coalition.