Substance abuse prevention

This is a state funded program that allows us to provide ATOD education to children who are considered at risk to the exposure or use therof. In past years, we have focused on a variety of strategies to promote the prevention of substance use and abuse in youth. However, over the course of the last year, the focus of the Department of Mental Health/Substance Abuse Division has implemented a shift to focusing on the environment.

Through the Environmental Strategy, we are focused on the cause and the conditions of the community. Specifically, we work within a specific community to promote environmental change on issues that have been considered the ‘norm’ within that particular community (i.e. underage drinking, under age purchasing of alcohol and tobacco). Youth are actively involved in this process and take responsiblity in promoting change within their community.