Proclamation 9338-National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2015
Issued 2015-09-30 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama designated October 2015 as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month through this proclamation. The action is purely ceremonial—it doesn't create new laws or require anyone to do anything specific. Instead, it draws public attention to substance abuse prevention and calls upon Americans to engage in prevention programs and activities within their communities.
The proclamation recognizes that families, teachers, and community organizations across the country work to prevent substance abuse, particularly among young people. It notes that the Affordable Care Act requires health plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace to include mental health and substance use disorder services. The President emphasized that preventing substance abuse is part of the National Drug Control Strategy and can be accomplished by supporting parents, mentors, schools, and community members who work on prevention efforts.
This type of presidential proclamation is a traditional practice dating back to George Washington. It expresses the President's sentiment on behalf of the nation without imposing legal obligations on citizens or directing federal spending. The proclamation encourages Americans to talk with young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol use and to model healthy lifestyles in their communities.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9338-National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to substance abuse prevention. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9338—National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, 2015 September 30, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every day, millions of American families, friends, teachers, and community organizations work to ensure children have access to the support and resources needed to help prevent substance abuse. As we mark National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we come together to acknowledge the role every person can play in preventing substance abuse and recommit to fostering a culture where all our people can live up to their fullest potential. Community partners in all corners of our country work to foster positive, safe environments in our towns and cities, and my Administration is committed to bolstering these efforts. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace must include mental health and substance use disorder services. My Administration has also taken action to ensure that coverage for these services is comparable to coverage for medical and surgical benefits. Preventing substance abuse is a fundamental element of our National Drug Control Strategy and can only be accomplished by supporting parents, mentors, schools