Recognize and celebrate youth led prevention efforts
Prevention is in good hands as young people lead efforts throughout the region to educate and support their peers on topics such as reducing substance misuse and strengthening mental health.
“Prevention needs young people because we offer a fresh perspective on old problems,” says high schooler Ashylyn Morgareidge. “We are ready to help our peers and can make an impression on peers that adults can’t always do.”
Morgareidge is a member of the Concrete Prevention Posse, one of 40 youth teams from throughout the state that participated in the Spring Youth Forum put on by the state Health Care Authority earlier this month. Concrete was one of five teams from the region attending the event.
Among the team’s recognized, the OneBakerVoice youth coalition from Bellingham received the Collaboration and Partnership Award for its “Learn, Serve, and Earn” summer youth fellowship program.
As with other coalitions, Mount Baker works to empower youth to learn about prevention and contribute their voice and ideas, including choosing projects that are meaningful to them, says Darcy Allen, coalition advisor.
“I celebrate One Baker Voice earning an award for developing partnerships to support Prevention projects; taking a vital role in the planning and delivery of the Summer Youth Prevention Fellowship,” Allen says. “I’m so very happy for them, and looking forward to the next project!”
Teams apply and are selected to present at the annual prevention event that took place at Great Wolf Lodge. Once there, each team presents its project to the other teams, who vote along with adult judges on the top projects for the year. Winning the top honor this year was the Nexus Mental Health Hub for Schools in the Northshore School District.
The other projects from the region represented a broad range of topics:
- Island County: Members of Coupeville’s Community Awareness Peer Educators (CAPE) group presented their Field Day.
- Snohomish County: Darrington Youth Coalition members presented their cannabis and tobacco prevention program called, “Know Your Why.”
- Skagit County: Concrete Prevention Posse assessed neighborhood stores for alcohol and tobacco advertising.
- Skagit County: The La Conner Empowered Teens Club (ETC) surveyed students to identify, recognize and celebrate Trusted Adults in their school and community.
Many of these programs are supported with youth trainings in the region such as Sources of Strength, Peer to Peer and MAD HOPE. Please reach out to learn more about available peer training opportunities.
“Young people should get involved in prevention efforts because it is also a form of prevention,” says Concrete high schooler Alexis Houser. “It teaches them the truth about substance use, and how to have a conversation with peers or friends about substance use.”
The contributions of young people are being recognized at all levels. In a kickoff webinar for Prevention Week, Xavier Becerra, secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, recognized that young people are uniquely positioned to help their peers and highlighted the need to “ensure that the young voices of our young people are heard and heeded.”
National Prevention Week in May is hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and focuses on increasing the prevention of underage substance use and the promotion of mental health for all.
Throughout the country, a big part of this work is happening through coalitions with youth involvement.
“I’m passionate about celebrating and improving conditions at the community level to support the well-being of our friends, neighbors, family, and region,” Allen adds. “Prevention coalitions are such a fun, exciting way to lead that change.”
