Alcohol Awareness Month What is Alcohol Awareness Month? Every April, communities across the nation observe Alcohol Awareness Month—a time dedicated to increasing public understanding about the dangers of alcohol misuse, supporting those in recovery, and encouraging conversations about prevention. This … Read More
March often brings conversations about luck, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. But when it comes to your future, luck is not what protects your choices do. Success in school, sports, leadership, and life is rarely accidental. It is built through … Read More
February is Teen Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, starting honest conversations, and equipping teens with the tools they need to navigate conflict, emotions, and relationships in healthy ways. This month is not about fear—it is about prevention, empowerment, and hope.
Advertising plays a significant role in shaping attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs, particularly among young people who are still developing their sense of identity and decision-making skills. Alcohol, tobacco, and vaping industries invest heavily in marketing strategies designed to make substance … Read More
November Focus: Building Resilience and Protective Factors in Youth As the season of gratitude and reflection unfolds, November is a meaningful time to focus on how we can strengthen the resilience of our youth. Resilience is more than just “bouncing … Read More
October Spotlight: Red Ribbon Week – Celebrating Healthy Choices Each October, communities across the nation come together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. This year, from October 23–31, millions of students, … Read More
Emerging Substances and Their Prevalence: September 2025 Introduction Emerging substances—also called novel psychoactive substances (NPS) or designer drugs—represent an ever-changing challenge for public health, law enforcement, and communities. These synthetic drugs and newly discovered compounds often skirt legal regulations and … Read More
Youth who feel supported by adults and mentors are much better equipped to handle peer pressure. When a young person knows they have someone they can talk to without judgment, it creates a safety net. Parents, teachers, coaches, faith leaders, … Read More
Adolescents are still developing the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control (the prefrontal cortex). When surrounded by peers, they may feel more pressure to take risks, even when they know better. Being in group settings can … Read More
How youth view themselves has a direct impact on how they respond to peer pressure. Those with low self-esteem may feel that they need to go along with the crowd to be accepted, even if it means compromising their values. … Read More
