Moderator: Karen H. Perry, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) Task Force, and Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board

CE Certified By: ACPE,AAFP,ADA,AMA,ANCC,APA,MCHES,NASW,NBCC

By the 12th grade, about half of adolescents have abused an illicit drug at least once, according to the annual Monitoring the Future national survey. Since young people have a strong influence on their peers, shaping that influence in a positive way can bring powerful and lasting change. This session will feature two presentations about raising up youth leaders to be vital players within prevention efforts.

The Georgia Prevention Project’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) program is modeled after Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's National Youth Leadership Initiative. The TAC aims to strengthen the skills and capacity of young people to effect positive change in their communities. The presentation will discuss how to use evidenced-based strategies that empower youth to make healthy decisions and take the lead on prevention efforts. Presenters will highlight how TAC members lead “Not Prescribed” — an innovative, evidenced-based online Rx drug abuse prevention lesson — with their peers. A TAC member will share personal experiences and tips for adult supporters.

The second presentation is designed for professionals who work with students in the prevention of substance abuse, bullying and other adolescent problem behaviors. Information will be shared on the blending of three prevention models: 40 Developmental Assets, Youth Survey data and Positive Community Social Norms (Positive Messaging Campaigns). The session will share best practices on how to develop student leadership councils, facilitate student leadership, and organize schoolwide events and activities designed to reduce substance abuse and create a more positive school climate.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Distinguish among communication styles and appropriateness for different audiences.
- Describe youth voices and how social media can be utilized in prevention messaging.
- Identify the influences that impact youth decisions.
- Explain how to engage youth in the prevention planning process.
- Recognize how youth data, protective factors and social norms work together in prevention.
- Use planning templates and other materials to engage youth in prevention planning.