Okay 5K

Whether it’s your first 5K or your 500th or you do it alone or part of a group or you run seriously for your best time or treat it as a fun walk, it’s all “okay!” USA Track & Field certified 5K course. Officially timed by “Score This!” the Okay 5K takes place the third Tuesday in July at 7:00 p.m. in Delaware Park.

Click here to register.

To get information on sponsorship, please email us!

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National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem gambling often goes unrecognized until serious negative consequences have already occurred. In March, organizations across the country schedule events and distribute materials to raise awareness of this underpublicized but important issue. Preventionfocus concentrates on teen gambling and can supply your school or community-based organization with materials and technical assistance for your awareness or problem gambling screening event.

Get event support or set up a screening day, please email us!

Learn more about NPGAM.

Spring It On

Spring It On, Buffalo Niagara’s Day of Giving, takes place on the first day of spring. For 24 hours, people will be encouraged to make online donations to their favorite charities raising thousands of dollars for local causes. Support Preventionfocus by going to our Facebook page.

To learn more about Spring It On

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Alcohol Awareness Month

With spring breaks taking place and proms and graduation parties around the corner, “Alcohol Awareness Month” is held each April to build awareness of the dangers of underage drinking. Preventionfocus works in concert with the other member agencies of Px21 on local initiatives in support of this national event.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Px21, Erie County Prevention Providers

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College Alcohol-Free Weekends

A growing number of colleges are building awareness of problem drinking by scheduling Alcohol-Free Weekends on their campuses. Students are simply challenged to go from a prescheduled Friday through Sunday without consuming alcohol. Ideal for students who might be worried that they might be developing a drinking problem, students who have a friend who fits that description, or student leaders who simply wish to set a good example or build awareness of this issue. Many campuses hold fun alcohol-free events for students who take the challenge. Done most often as part of “Alcohol Awareness Month” in April but can be scheduled for any time of year. Preventionfocus has customizable pre-made support materials for before and after the weekend and can offer assistance with your campus event.

To get more information or event support, please email us!

Erie County Fair

Preventionfocus staff, board, and volunteers meet thousands of new friends at the Erie County Fair in August thanks to WBBZ-TV. Fairgoers can stop by our tables for free information and, for just a $1 donation, spin the station’s prize wheel and maybe win a nice prize!
To donate prizes or volunteer, please email us!

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National Suicide Prevention Week

National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) is an annual week-long campaign to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide. By drawing attention to the problem, the campaign strives to reduce stigma and encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance. Since 1975, NSPW awareness events are held throughout the week corresponding to World Suicide Prevention Day, which is recognized annually on the 10th of September. Preventionfocus works in concert with the other member agencies of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County on local initiatives in support of this national event.

American Association of Suicidology

Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County

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National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

With inclement weather, increased hours of darkness, lots of travel, and an overemphasis on use of alcohol and drugs, the holiday season can be a dangerous time on American roadways. To encourage safe and healthy decisions, especially around drinking and driving, Preventionfocus partners with Px21 on various awareness-building events throughout December including the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg, NY. For more information:
Festival of Lights

Px21, Erie County Prevention Providers

Party for Preventionfocus

Each year, on a chosen spring evening, friends of Preventionfocus gather in a local restaurant to celebrate the agency's accomplishments over the past year, recognize several "Community Champions" who have contributed to local substance abuse and mental health efforts, and enjoy finger foods, live music, and fun! To get information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please email us!

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National Family Day

Kids who eat meals regularly with their families are more likely to avoid alcohol and drugs and do better in school than kids who do not. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, regular family meals are occurring with declining frequency in America. Preventionfocus supports “National Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children” on the last Monday of September by sending staff and materials to schools and community based organizations willing to host dinner events to build awareness of this issue.

To get more information or event support, please email us!

For more information about National Family Day.

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National Red Ribbon Week

In 1985, federal DEA agent Enrique Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. In the last week of October, people from all walks of life wear red ribbons and clothing, decorate streets and buildings in red, and hold special events to remember his sacrifice and show their commitment to supporting lifestyles that do not include the use of illegal drugs. Preventionfocus partners with the other members of Px21 to promote this highly visible campaign.

For more information about National Red Ribbon Week.

Px21, Erie County Prevention Providers