Jefferson County Preventionist: Community Engagement

Jefferson County has long been a quiet, agricultural pass-through for folks traveling through the mountains west of Helena. As metropolitan areas spread in Montana and populations increased, Jefferson County has seen a steady increase in residents from even the 70's. Virtual work and a desire for space has led many to settle in this area, increasing the county population by over 6%, just since 2018. This increase of people inevitably leads to an increase in any number of youth risk factors and makes the work of a local substance use prevention specialist a dynamic undertaking.

There are a number of factors that affect youth substance use, and in Montana, prevention specialists are addressing youth 30-day alcohol use and 30-day marijuana use through federal support funneled through Montana BHDD. As a data-driven effort, prevention science seeks to address these risk factors with proven strategies and community collaborations. In 2018, there were a number of risk factors identified for Jefferson County youth in regards to substance use and misuse and protective factors to combat them. Those factors were then evaluated during later survey efforts to identify just how much change had occurred through the course of prevention efforts.

From 2018 to 2022, Jefferson County 8th and 10th graders saw a 1.45% increase in the number of students who answered that their parents would feel that it was Very Wrong for them to have one or two drinks of an alcoholic beverage nearly every day (80.90% in 2022). This increase suggests that Jefferson County youth have seen a more than 2 times increase in positive values.

According to the Office of Justice Programs, effective substance use prevention programs could save $18 for every dollar invested nationwide. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that investing in prevention can make good financial sense because it can save lives and money. For example, the PAX Good Behavior Game has saved taxpayers $25.92 for each dollar invested. Within Jefferson County, elementary schools are implementing a number of robust evidence-based programs to promote behavior and emotion regulation and support. PAX Good Behavior Game is found in several of those schools and Second Step has been recognized as well. To address other youth issues, Media Detective has been explored for youth cyber concerns. These programs bring years of research and success in prevention of risky behaviors as well as creating resilience and wellness from an early age.

Prevention efforts and programming will never provide instant change. This work involves creating a shift in historic social and community norms. Changing narratives and creating a protective foundation for the youth of Jefferson County will continue to be vital to everyone's success.