The collaborative: a three-community region addressing youth opioid and prescription drug use through an innovative, multi-media approach. - the collaborative is located in southeastern…

The collaborative: a three-community region addressing youth opioid and prescription drug use through an innovative, multi-media approach. - the collaborative is located in southeastern massachusetts and encompasses the adjoining towns of east bridgewater, rockland and whitman. The collaborative?s proposed project will contribute to the reduction of opioid and prescription drug use among youth aged 12-18 through a comprehensive prevention effort that includes youth, families and the community at large by giving youth the voice to drive prevention efforts. Specifically, the collaborative will increase awareness around opioids and prescription drugs through youth-driven social marketing, community outreach and education to a variety of populations. The proposed program will involve students, families and individuals in recovery in creating meaningful conversations and relationships with key stakeholders and businesses within the region to more effectively address youth opioid and prescription drug use. Through the proposed program, the collaborative seeks to accomplish the following short-term outcomes: increase awareness of youth opioid and prescription drug use among the community, as well as local businesses, organizations, and medical providers. Intermediate outcomes will be observed through an increase in promotion of factors that minimize the risk of opioid and prescription drug use, in addition to increasing the ease, ability, and opportunity for youth to access settings, such as programs emphasizing self-efficacy and learning skills that prevent opioid and prescription drug use. Long term outcomes will be to change the culture and context regarding the acceptability of opioid and prescription drug use, as well as reducing and preventing youth use of opioids and prescription drugs. By june 30, 2022, the collaborative seeks to reduce the percent of 12TH graders in the region who have misused prescription drugs from 5% baseline to 4% as indicated on our annual youth survey. In addition, collaborative staff will partner to create 3 multi-media projects with youth, families and indi viduals in recovery that will be disseminated as a social marketing campaign reaching 50,000 individuals in the region by june 30, 2022 as indicated by social media analytics. To accomplish these goals and objectives, the collaborative will educate and inform about modifying and changing policies, institute leadership opportunities for youth, provide information on the dangers of opioid and prescription drug use through innovative outlets, and enhance the skills of youth, families and the community at large.