The Jackson County Youth Substance Use Prevention Initiative (JCYSUP) works to strengthen protective factors, promote healthy norms, and prevent youth substance use.
Guided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework, the initiative combines community input, local data, and evidence-based prevention strategies to help youth thrive in Jackson County.
During Year 1, community surveys, interviews, and stakeholder engagement informed a countywide assessment led by the Rural Health Network and Jackson County Public Health, providing recommendations for future action.
What We Learned
Community Concern
80%+ say youth substance use is a major concern
Positive Norms
Most adults support alcohol-free youth
Adult Influence
Adult behavior shapes youth expectations
Protective Factors
Trusted adults and activities matter
Most adults want youth to grow up alcohol-free,
but many don’t realize how common that belief is.
Focus Areas in Year 2
The Community Profile and Readiness Assessment highlighted several key themes that will guide prevention efforts moving forward:
Positive Community Norms:
Survey results showed that most adults personally believe youth under 21 should not drink, but many underestimate how widely this belief is shared. This perception gap provides a strong foundation for a Positive Community Norms (PCN) campaign that highlights the healthy choices most families already support.
Adult Modeling and Community Culture:
Residents consistently identified adult behavior and local alcohol culture as influences on youth attitudes. Prevention efforts will focus on helping adults model healthy coping, recreation, and communication.
Family Engagement and Communication:
Families expressed a need for more tools and support to have open, age-appropriate conversations with youth about substance use and mental health.
Youth Belonging and Protective Factors:
Strong community ties, trusted adults, and high participation in extracurricular activities serve as protective factors. These assets provide a foundation for expanding mentorship, connection, and prevention education.
Jackson County is well-positioned to build on these strengths through multi-generational, community-led prevention strategies.
What Jackson County Youth Told Us
The 2026 Youth Focus Groups confirmed several themes identified in the community assessment:
Peer Influence Matters
Friends and social circles play a major role in shaping youth decisions and behaviors.
Families Make a Difference
Youth view parental support, communication, and expectations as powerful protective factors.
Healthy Choices Are the Norm
Most students report healthy choices, but perceptions of peer substance use don’t always match reality.
Connection Builds Resilience
Trusted adults, activities, and a sense of belonging help youth thrive and make positive choices.
Everyone Shapes Community Norms
Parents, community members, and local leaders all influence youth attitudes toward substance use.
Youth aren’t just the focus of prevention efforts. They’re helping shape them.
Project History
Year 1 (2024/2025)
Accomplishments:
✓ Community Assessment
✓ Stakeholder Interviews
✓ Adult Survey
✓ Funding for Youth Programs
Highlights:
- Multi-sector stakeholder engagement
- 7 key informant interviews
- 62 survey respondents
- $30,000+ awarded, supporting 16 youth-serving groups
Year 2 (2025/2026)
Accomplishments:
✓ Established the Jackson County Prevention Coalition
✓ Conducted Youth Surveys and Youth Focus Groups
✓ Launched a youth-guided, local Positive Community Norms (PCN) Campaign
✓ Developed Countywide Strategic Prevention Plan
✓ Funding for Youth Programs
Highlights:
- $65,400 awarded, supporting 25 youth-serving groups
- Community Coalition Building
- 3 Youth Focus Groups, grades 6-11
- 100 PCN posters and table tents
- 900 PCN promotional items
- Youth PCN ambassadors at the North Park Rodeo
- PCN messaging at school athletic and other youth events
Get Involved: What You Can Do
Youth substance use prevention works best when it is community-led. We invite residents, parents, organizations, and community partners to get involved, share their perspective, and help build a community where every young person feels connected, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Jen Fanning, Consultant, Peak Strategy Solutions
📞 970-531-7887
📧 jfanning7680@gmail.com
Stevie Kitterman, Prevention and Recovery Manager, GCRHN
📞 970-725-3477
📧 skitterman@gcruralhealth.org
“Talk. They Hear You.”® Underage Drinking Campaign
The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce underage drinking and other substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to address these issues with their children early and often.
We encourage you to learn more and share with others these helpful resources SAMHSA has made available.