A statewide campaign aimed at preventing youth substance use will be promoted across Missouri during the final two weeks of August, with several southwest Missouri prevention coalitions participating in local outreach efforts.
The effort, called “Be Under Your Own Influence,” is led by the Missouri Prevention Coalitions Network and focuses on preventing youth use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as misuse of prescription medications, according to a community announcement.
Participating organizations include the Southwest Missouri Drug Poisoning Coalition, the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Team, and the Stone County Community Health Coalition, which will support the campaign through local community networks and social media channels.
Campaign focuses on protective factors
Rather than centering its message on the dangers of substance use alone, the campaign uses a positive youth development approach based on prevention principles identified by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
According to the announcement, campaign messages highlight factors that can help lower the likelihood of youth substance use, including strong family and community support, decision-making and problem-solving skills, self-management, healthy social connections and community norms that encourage positive behavior.
The campaign also addresses risk factors associated with substance use and other negative outcomes. Those factors may include feelings of hopelessness, impulsive or aggressive behavior and limited social connectedness, according to the announcement.
Organizers said in the announcement that strengthening protective factors at the individual, family and community levels can help create conditions that support healthy development for young people.
Statewide outreach planned in August
Missouri residents may see posters, billboards and social media messages related to the campaign during the final two weeks of August.
Advertisements will also spotlight positive contributions made by young people in schools and communities, reinforcing the campaign’s message that youth can make choices aligned with their goals, interests and values.
Local prevention coalitions are expected to expand the campaign’s reach by sharing messages through their own communication channels and community partnerships.
“Prevention is about more than telling young people what not to do,” Marietta Hagan, a local coalition member, said in the announcement. “It is about helping young people develop the skills, relationships, confidence and support they need to make healthy choices. When communities invest in those protective factors, we create stronger environments where youth can succeed.”
Organizers encourage parents, caregivers, educators and other adults to support young people through positive communication, meaningful relationships, clear expectations and opportunities to participate in healthy activities.
Additional information about the Missouri Prevention Coalitions Network is available at missouriprevention.com.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri campaign aims to help prevent teen substance use
