Jefferson County Preventionist: Engage the Youth

This is the first of a series of articles about prevention services in Jefferson County.

For the past decade-plus, the county has received federal prevention block grant funds to service the youth of Jefferson County to address substance use issues. It is apparent that, as a society, to change the current norms over the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs, we must continue to concentrate our efforts on the younger generations.

Various activities and messaging have been provided to engage youth in this process. Some of the activities include the following:

• Red Ribbon Week activities at the schools

• Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (particularly at the HS level)

• Teen Super Bowl parties

• guest speakers such as John Underwood

• programs that educate youth regarding substance use and their still-developing brain.

Of course, parents and guardians have been an integral part of this prevention process. Parents have received support in helping their children make healthy choices daily in the following ways:

• Town Hall meetings

• “Hidden in Plain Sight”

• ParentingMT.org.

• Active Parenting Now classes

• social media resources

Jefferson County has an abundance of partnerships that support ongoing prevention efforts. These partnerships include the Jefferson County Health Department, DUI Task Force, Mental Health Local Advisory Council, Law Enforcement, 21st Century program, school administrations and staff, and many other local businesses, committees, and supportive citizens.

In the future, we will provide a series of prevention articles with more in-depth information. Please contact Barb Reiter if you have specific questions or wish to participate in the Jefferson County Prevention efforts. Contact the Jefferson County Southwest Preventionist at breiter@jeffersoncounty-mt.gov or (406) 461-3618.