TOGETHER, WE CAN PREVENT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.
The Substance Use Prevention division of the Mississippi Public Health Institute brings together a variety of personal and professional resources designed to educate and empower Mississippians.
DATA
FOR SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION
Mississippi’s SmartTrack Survey is decades-long program that assess student risks and protections throughout the state. In addition to tracking valuable data with regard to substance use, SmartTrack allows participating schools to determine how they compare to their counterparts statewide or within their region in terms of youth risks and protections. SmartTrack is completely anonymous—and FREE to all participating school districts. Please reach out to Shelby at 601-398-4406 or sford@msphi.org if you have questions or would like to enroll your school.
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
FOR SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION
The Mississippi Behavioral Health Learning Network (MSBHLN) provides professional and workforce development to behavioral providers, arming them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively mitigate and treat substance use disorder. Click here to learn more about the MSBHLN.
EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
FOR SUBSTANCE USE AWARENESS
Positive Action is a Socio-educational Learning (SEL) plan that teaches students valuable insights and skills they can use to make more effective life choices by recognizing and using their own resources: time, energy, possessions, money, talents, thoughts, actions, and feelings. The program consists of six units, customized for every grade level. Instructor training can be in person or online, and all materials are included—including resources from BirdieLight. The BirdieBox by BirdieLight provides students with engaging and age-appropriate education about the dangers of fentanyl as well as risk reduction techniques to protect themselves and their peers.
PFS / MYFRENDS
Partnership For Success (PFS) and the Mississippi Youth Five-county Region for Enhancing Narcotic, Drug, and Substance Use Awareness (MYFRENDS)
The PFS / MYFRENDS programs aim to reduce substance abuse and related risky behaviors among youth and young adults throughout Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Scott, and Warren counties, as well as the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. This will be achieved through the implementation of targeted prevention activities, policy changes, and the establishment of a Youth Advisory Council, all in collaboration with community partners. The program features a series of prevention activities designed to educate, engage, and empower youth and young adults, including:
Educational Workshops: Conducted in schools, community centers, and tribal areas, focusing on the dangers of substance abuse, coping strategies, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Peer Mentorship Programs: Connecting younger students with older peers who can offer guidance and support, reinforcing positive behaviors and decision-making.
Community Events: Organizing events like health fairs, family days, and sports tournaments that provide alternative, substance-free recreational opportunities
Keg Registration Policy Change
A critical component of the program is advocating for a change in Mississippi’s keg registration policy. This policy change is aimed at reducing the availability of alcohol to minors by:
Strengthening Accountability: Requiring keg purchasers to register their kegs, thereby increasing accountability, and deterring illegal provision of alcohol to underage individuals.
Enhancing Law Enforcement: Facilitating the tracking of kegs and enabling law enforcement agencies to more effectively monitor and address instances of underage drinking.
Youth Advisory Counsel
To ensure that the voices of young people are central to the program, a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will:
Provide Insight and Feedback: Offering valuable perspectives on the issues affecting youth in the community, helping to shape and refine prevention strategies.
Lead Peer-Led Initiatives: Empowering members to design and implement their own initiatives, fostering leadership skills and promoting peer-to-peer education.
Act as Program Ambassadors: Serving as representatives of the program, advocating for substance abuse prevention within their schools and communities.
Community Partnerships
The success of this program hinges on strong collaboration with community partners, including:
Local Schools and Universities: Partnering with educational institutions to deliver prevention programs and engage students.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Working together to enforce policy changes and support community safety initiatives.
Tribal Leaders and Organizations: Collaborating with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to ensure culturally relevant programming and outreach.
Nonprofit and Faith-Based Organizations: Engaging local organizations to expand the program’s reach and effectiveness through shared resources and networks.
Contact us to request contact or more information.
Complete the form below to request contact or information with regard to the substance use prevention programs above.
