National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2014

Proclamation 9183 of September 30, 2014

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Substance abuse disrupts our families, schools, and
communities and limits the success of young people
across our country. It destroys relationships and
stands in the way of academic achievement. Every day,
thousands of young Americans try drugs or alcohol for
the first time, and for many, this decision will have a
profound impact on their health and well-being. This
month, we join with families, schools, and local
leaders to promote safe and healthy neighborhoods and
help ensure all our children have the support and
resources they need to achieve their full potential.

Preventing substance use before it begins is the most
effective way to eliminate the damage caused by drugs
and the abuse of alcohol. That is why my
Administration's 2014 National Drug Control Strategy
supports evidence-based education and outreach programs
that connect with young people at schools, on college
campuses, and in the workplace. This year, through the
Drug-Free Communities Support Program, we are investing
in 680 local coalitions that are working to reduce
substance use in cities and towns across our country.
These partners raise awareness of the harms associated
with drug and alcohol use and create supportive
environments that foster good decisionmaking.

Substance use affects everyone, and each of us can play
a part in helping the next generation make choices that
support physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional
health. Parents, mentors, and community members can
model a healthy lifestyle and should talk with kids
early and often about the dangers of drug and alcohol
use. During National Substance Abuse Prevention Month,
we recognize all those who work to prevent substance
use in our neighborhoods, and we renew our commitment
to building a safer, drug-free America. Together, we
can make sure all children have the opportunity to
pursue happy, fulfilling, and productive lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 2014 as
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon
all Americans to engage in appropriate programs and
activities to promote comprehensive substance abuse
prevention efforts within their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.