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
While peer pressure is often viewed negatively, it’s important to understand that it can work both ways. Positive peer pressure occurs when friends encourage one another to do things that are healthy or beneficial—like studying for a test, joining a … Read More
Peer pressure is something every young person experiences at some point. Whether it’s choosing what to wear, how to act, or even deciding whether to engage in risky behaviors, the influence of peers can be powerful — for better or … Read More
As we close out the month of July, it’s time to reflect and reset. Resilience isn’t about being perfect — it’s about persistence. What have you overcome this month? What growth have you seen in yourself? A resilient mindset acknowledges … Read More
