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Bill

HR 713

PREVENTION WEEK

104th Regular Session Introduced by La Shawn Ford and 3 co-sponsors

Designates May 10–16, 2026 as Prevention Week to promote evidence-based, community-driven youth substance use prevention and mental wellness across Illinois.

Resolution Adopted
0
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Bill Summary · HR 713

Summary of HR 713 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Title

Prevention Week

Purpose and Intent

  • Declares May 10 through May 16, 2026 as Prevention Week in the State of Illinois.
  • Recognizes and promotes the Illinois Prevention Network (IPN) and related prevention coalitions, agencies, and partners.
  • Aims to elevate awareness of substance use prevention, mental wellness, and supportive environments for youth and families, consistent with SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Change

  • Proclamation of Prevention Week: The bill designates a state-wide awareness period (May 10–16, 2026) to highlight prevention efforts and mental health promotion.
  • Emphasis on Evidence-Based Approaches: Highlights the role of community coalitions and cross-sector collaboration as evidence-based, population-level strategies for reducing youth substance use and promoting behavioral health.
  • Recognition of Programs and Coalitions:
    • Acknowledges the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) program and its Illinois coalitions, funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and administered by the CDC.
    • Recognizes Illinois coalitions that have achieved national and regional recognition (e.g., Illinois Link Together, CADCA awards, Blue Ribbon recipients).
    • Cites specific coalitions and programs by name to illustrate successful implementation of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework.
  • Data-Driven Approach: References the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS), administered biennially by the University of Illinois Center for Prevention Research and Development, as a data source to tailor local prevention strategies. Notes positive trends in the 2024 IYS data (reduced youth use of alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs).
  • Public Education and Community Roles: Encourages use of Prevention Week to highlight prevention work by coalitions, schools, youth leaders, and families; emphasizes prevention and mental health promotion as integral to stronger communities.

Who and What Would Be Affected

  • State agencies, prevention coalitions, schools, youth organizations, and families involved in community-based prevention efforts across Illinois.
  • Organizations recognized by the Illinois Prevention Network (IPN) and other listed coalitions; includes a broad network of coalitions and partnerships (e.g., Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition, Pledge for Life, CPYD, THRIVE groups, Link Together, and many others named in the resolution).
  • Public awareness campaigns and local prevention initiatives during Prevention Week, with a focus on reducing youth substance use and improving mental wellness.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The proclamation recognizes a specific one-week period (May 10–16, 2026) as Prevention Week.
  • Referrals and Amendments:
    • The measure has been amended (House Amendment No. 1) and referred to Rules after initial consideration.
    • Previously assigned to the Mental Health & Addiction Committee; later moves to Rules Committee as part of the legislative process.
  • Sponsorship:
    • Primary sponsor: Rep. Patrick Windhorst (co-sponsor listed).
  • Formal Presentation:
    • The resolution aims to be presented to the Illinois Prevention Network and its listed coalitions and partners.

Notable Details

  • The resolution quotes multiple recognitions and awards (e.g., CADCA awards, Dose of Prevention recognition) to illustrate the impact of Illinois coalitions.
  • Emphasizes a data-informed, culturally responsive approach to prevention with demonstrated community-level reductions in youth substance use.

If you’d like, I can condense this further into a one-paragraph overview or expand any section with additional context (e.g., background on SAMHSA guidelines or CADCA awards).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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