Youth CAN Coalition
West Central Behavioral Health serves as fiscal agent and coalition member of the Youth CAN (Claremont and Newport) Coalition. Youth CAN is part of the CDC-funded Drug-Free Communities Program, the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. The Coalition addresses risk factors and promotes prevention strategies proven to minimize risk of substance misuse, in particular the use of alcohol and marijuana among youth.
WHO ARE WE?
We are a group of people interested in using youth-adult partnerships to create positive opportunities for young people so they use less alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. We are from Claremont and Newport and come from different backgrounds.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
We care about substance misuse prevention and destigmatizing substance use disorder and mental health to promote awareness and acceptance. We hold Community Conversations and share data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We collaborate with community partners to increase readiness and capacity to advance prevention efforts.
WHY ARE WE DOING IT?
It is our collective responsibility to address substance misuse in our communities, protect and support young people, and decrease substance related harm within our community.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
- Join the coalition!
- Attend monthly planning meetings! *virtual*
- Like/Follow us on social media
- Volunteer to lead a positive youth experience
- Sponsor food or marketing for one of our events
- Help create promotional & educational material
- Advocate for community change
COMMUNITY STATISTICS
Alcohol
Not all youth drink alcohol! In fact, 73% of students have NOT used alcohol in the past 30 days However, only 27% of students believe there is great risk of harm if they use alcohol
Marijuana
Not all youth use marijuana! In fact, 74% of students have not used marijuana in the past 30 days However, only 10% of students believe there is great risk of harm if they use marijuana
Prescription Drugs
10% of students have ever used a prescription drug without a doctors order 58% of students believe they are at great risk of harm if they use prescription drugs without a doctors order
Tobacco and Vapor Products
91% of students do NOT smoke cigarettes However, 51% of students have used an electronic vapor product in their lifetime And 37% of students have used an electronic vapor product in the past 30 days
Suicide and Feeling Sad or Hopeless
36% of students report feeling sad or hopeless in the last 12 months 7% of students attempted suicide in the last 12 months