ON THE COVER ABOUT MCSAP

Martin County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) Coalition is a non-profit organization led by a diverse group of Martin County residents who have a passion for helping youth make healthy choices. Formed in 2011, MCSAP functions as a hub of information and resources to help coordinate and support the efforts of substance abuse prevention and the mental and physical well-being of youth. Coalition members include school teachers, police officers, volunteers, nurses, pastors, lay ministers, grandparents, parents, youth, and many others who care about the youth in our communities.

The youth coalition is comprised of students in grades 7-12 at each Martin County high school. Members encourage fellow students to say no to tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and prescriptions that were not prescribed to them. Student members reach their peers through positive messaging in personal notes, posters, and flyers; training opportunities; distribution of educational information at community events; and coordination of safe and fun activities, among other outreaches. If you are interested in learning more about the youth coalition activities at your school, contact the following advisors: Jim Utermarck, Cairne Eytcheson, Truman; Nicole Kueker, Elizabeth Lowry, Fairmont; Kari McGregor, Karen Weets, Granada Huntley East Chain; Laura Ebeling, Heather Winter, Martin County West; Lisa Kube, Martin Luther. If you are interested in joining MCSAP or being kept up-to-date on our activities, join our mailing list by emailing director@mcsapcoalition.com. You can also learn more about who we are and what we do through our social media pages. On Facebook and Twitter, we are MCSAPCoalition, and on Instagram, we are under EmpowerMartinCounty. To receive your free subscription to our quarterly Youth Connections Magazine , sign up at https://mcsapcoalition.com/youth-connections/.

Spring marks big milestones for teenagers and their families. Prom is looked forward to for months, and graduation is a highly anticipated turning point! These are moments students will remember for the rest of their lives. It’s a big deal!

Prom can be a time when the temptation of risky behaviors is heightened. However, our area has been fortunate to have many parents, schools, businesses, and volunteers working together to host successful pre- and post-prom parties. We also have parents hosting punch parties and after post-prom breakfast gatherings. Those events not only provide a safe environment, but an opportunity to model to teenagers that they can have a great time at celebrations without the use of alcohol and other substances. The same is true for graduation celebrations.

Putting on that cap and gown and receiving a high school diploma represents all the hard work the graduate has put in and new beginnings for the future. As parents, schools, and communities, we share in the waiting and excitement with them. We also have a shared responsibility to offer healthy environments for our teens to celebrate these landmark events.

Martin County has also shared in the responsibility of keeping our kids safe by passing a social host ordinance, which makes it unlawful for individuals (or social hosts) to knowingly provide a place for underage drinking on premises under the host’s control. This step protects our youth from alcohol through legislative prevention.

As parents, we are the primary influence on our teens, which is why it’s important to have open conversations with them about staying safe. Take time to discuss their plans and be supportive of those celebrations that provide a healthy environment for your teenager. Most importantly, show them they can still have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol.

For safety tips during prom and graduation season, check out the Alliance for Safe Kids at https://bit.ly/2023grads.