This is the first of a series of articles about prevention services in Jefferson County. For the past decade plus, the county has been a recipient of federal prevention block grant funds to address substance use issues among our area’s youth. It is apparent that, as a society, in order to change the current norms on the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs we must continue to concentrate our efforts on the younger generations.
In order to engage youth in this process, we have provided various activities and messaging, including:
• Red Ribbon Week activities at schools
• Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (particularly at the high school level)
• Teen Super Bowl parties
• Guest speakers such as John Underwood
• Programs that educate youth regarding substance use and their developing brains
Of course, parents and guardians have been an integral part of this prevention process. Parents have received support in helping their children make healthy choices on a daily basis in the following ways:
• Town Hall meetings: Education about recent trends and exposures youth have to harmful substances, and positive responses
• “Hidden in Plain Sight,” a video-based program that builds awareness for parents, guardians and other adults about signs of drug use and other risky teen behaviors
• ParentingMT.org, a resource-rich website for parents in Montana
• Active Parenting Now classes: An opportunity for parents, caregivers, educators and anyone who works, plays and lives with youth to gain new skills
• Social media resources — e.g. Natural High; Ask, Listen, Learn
Jefferson County has an abundance of partnerships that support ongoing prevention efforts. These partnerships include the Jefferson County Health Department, Tobacco Education Specialist, DUI Task Force, Mental Health Local Advisory Council, Law Enforcement, 21 st Century program, school administrations and staff and many other local businesses, committees and supportive citizens.
Over the coming months, we will be providing a series of prevention articles with more in-depth information. Please contact me if you have some specific questions or wish to participate in the Jefferson County Prevention efforts.
Barb Reiter is Jefferson County’s prevention specialist. Reach her at breiter@jeffersoncounty-mt.gov or (406) 461-3618.
