Community Education & Outreach

Children and youth need clear messages regarding healthy choices and positive behaviors from their family, peers, community, and the media. Education and information about issues affecting youth encourage community members to take positive action to create a healthier environment for all young people. Program Overview Promote consistent, positive messages to promote healthy choices and healthy behaviors. Provide educational opportunities for parents, youth and the general public. Partner with community groups, schools, law enforcement, agencies, and others to expand prevention efforts. Goal Increase community education, awareness and efforts for the health and safety of our youth and the prevention of youth violence and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Current Program Components Educational forums, town hall meetings, and panels on topics promoting positive youth development, prevention of substance abuse and violence, and community engagement in these efforts. Coordination of a Speakers Bureau. Communication with the general public through a web page, newsletters, an annual report, newspapers, radio, and TCTV. Sponsorship of the Celebration of Champions for Kids and co-sponsorship of The Olympian’s Awards of Excellence. On-going collaboration with community partners (agencies, schools, law enforcement, local government, service organizations, etc.) Resource and referral information, including production and distribution of the Parent Resource Guide.