OLYMPIA- For the eighth year in a row, the Spring Youth Forum celebrates students who work to prevent underage use of alcohol and other drugs and make a difference where they learn and live. The event takes place Thursday, May 19 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound.
This year’s forum is co-hosted by the departments of Social and Health Services and Health. These two agencies provided lodging, meals and prizes for the event that gives students a learning opportunity to share projects that work to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in their communities.
“I am truly inspired by the youth who accepted the challenge to work with their local schools and communities to prevent substance abuse and encourage life-long healthy choices among their peers,” said Chris Imhoff, Director of the DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. “I also want to encourage parents, grandparents, coaches and other adult mentors to stay involved with children and teens, let them know you are proud of them, model healthy choices, and support them when they’re having challenges. Your influence matters.”.
Department of Health officials are interested to see what types of prevention strategies the teams did in their schools and communities.
“Teens know drinking can be dangerous, but the latest Washington Healthy Youth Survey shows that only one in three 10th graders think regular marijuana use is risky,” said Steve Smothers, Marijuana Prevention and Education Manager at Department of Health. “The Forum encourages youth to educate each other about making good choices, and supports Washington’s efforts to help the next generation be the healthiest ever.”
This year, 37 teams from across the state were invited to compete, be recognized and be rewarded for their hard work.
Each team will have the opportunity to share their projects and learn from other teams. Presentations are scored based on innovation, sustainability, impact, professionalism, collaboration and partnership.
Teams have the opportunity to earn prizes, including the grand prize of a scholarship to attend the 2017 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America - CADCA Leadership Forum in Maryland.
DSHS through its Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery provides funding, manages and coordinates proven prevention programs in counties and tribes statewide through community-based organizations. These investments have cut underage drinking in our state in half, reduced other unhealthy behaviors and increased academic success for students.
Parents can get resources to support conversations with their kids at https://www.starttalkingnow.org/ and kids can get the facts about marijuana by visiting http://listen2yourselfie.org/2016/03/02/landing/.