Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
FHYC is a group of local community members, educators, and youth advocates working together to help young people on San Juan Island make healthy, positive choices. We support after-school programs, mentorship, prevention education, and more.
FHYC is the new name for the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition. In 2025, we refreshed our mission and name to more directly reflect our commitment to supporting youth.
We are supported by the Washington State Health Care Authority through the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI), which helps local groups like ours run evidence-based prevention programs.
Programs we support include after-school mentoring, outdoor survival courses, life skills training, parenting workshops, and youth leadership activities.
Our programming is informed by local data collected through initiatives like the Healthy Youth Survey.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Visit HearMeWA.org for free, confidential support. You can also find information at TeenLink, NAMI, and KidsMentalHealthWA.
Find local resources and support on our Resources Page.
Warning signs may include withdrawal, drastic mood changes, lack of interest in usual activities, or changes in sleep or appetite. We provide resources on what to watch for and where to get help.
Substance Use Prevention
We focus on building protective factors in families, schools, and the community. We educate about the risks of substances like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and opioids — and help parents and youth start open conversations.
Start early, be honest, and set clear expectations. We recommend tools like StartTalkingNow.org and the One Choice Prevention Toolkit for conversation starters.
“One Choice” encourages youth to make a single, healthy choice: no use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs for the best chance at lifelong health.
Technology and Social Media
We provide resources for families on setting limits, modeling good habits, and talking to kids about screen time and safety online.
Yes. Check out Center for Online Safety, Common Sense Media and Better Screen Time for guidance on safe, age-appropriate digital use.
Building Resilience and Protective Factors
Protective factors are things that help kids make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors. These include strong family bonds, supportive schools, and positive adult role models.
Resilience means being able to bounce back from challenges. We support programs that build life skills, confidence, and social connections so youth can thrive.
Community Data and Surveys
It’s a statewide survey where youth share their experiences and health-related behaviors. The results help us understand how young people in San Juan County are doing — and how we can better support them.
You can explore local findings through the 2025 Youth Community Health Assessment and statewide reports from AskHYS.net.
Getting Involved and Contact
Reach out to us through our Contact page! We welcome volunteers, mentors, community partners, and anyone who wants to support local youth.
Our team is always happy to connect. Reach out to Robyn Carbuccia for more information.