Building a Prevention Roadmap for the School Year & Prevention

 Back-to-school is about more than supplies, schedules, and class lists. It’s also about setting the tone for the year ahead — not only for academic success, but for health, safety, and strong decision-making. At SSAPCO, we see each new school year as a chance to refresh our community’s commitment to prevention and to build on the momentum we’ve already created together.

Our prevention roadmap for this year is designed to reach students, parents, and community partners in ways that strengthen protective factors and reduce risk. By planning campaigns, empowering youth leaders, engaging parents, and strengthening partnerships across Salmon, we are laying the groundwork for a culture where healthy choices are expected and celebrated.



Campaigns That Connect

Throughout the year, SSAPCO will launch a series of prevention campaigns focused on issues most relevant to our youth: underage drinking, vaping, marijuana use, counterfeit pills, and fentanyl awareness. These campaigns use newsletters, social media, and school-based outreach to keep prevention front and center in daily life.

One of the most effective aspects of these campaigns is that they aren’t limited to a single audience. Parents receive information about setting rules and expectations. Students get reminders about the real risks of substance use. Community members see opportunities to engage and support. The goal is simple: to make prevention visible, consistent, and relatable to everyone in Lemhi County.

Student Leadership at the Core

At the heart of our prevention roadmap is Drug Free Youth (DFY). Research shows that teens are more likely to listen to peers than to adults when it comes to decisions about drinking and drug use. That’s why DFY is a cornerstone of SSAPCO’s work.

This year, DFY leaders will once again spearhead activities such as Sticker Shock campaigns, alcohol-free social events, mentoring programs, and presentations like Every 15 Minutes. These student-led efforts create what we call “positive peer pressure,” where making healthy, drug-free choices becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Equally important, DFY builds leadership skills that will serve youth well beyond high school: public speaking, event planning, teamwork, and mentoring. By preparing youth to lead now, we are also preparing them to succeed in their futures.

Parents as Prevention Partners

Parents remain the #1 influence on their teen’s decisions about substances (SAMHSA, 2022). Our roadmap emphasizes parent engagement because prevention starts at home. Parents set the rules, monitor their teens’ activities, and provide the accountability that research shows reduces underage drinking and drug use.

SSAPCO supports parents by offering tools like family prevention newsletters, conversation starters, and community events where families can learn together. Programs like Family Fun Night and Family Dinner Night remind parents that spending time together and talking about expectations are powerful, low-cost ways to keep kids safe.

We also encourage parents to adopt practical policies at home, such as “safe ride” agreements. These ensure teens always know they can call home if they’re in a risky situation — without fear of immediate punishment. Such steps help prevent tragedies and build trust between parents and teens.

Partnerships That Build Community Strength

No single sector can prevent youth substance misuse alone. That’s why SSAPCO prioritizes collaboration. Our prevention roadmap includes ongoing work with:

  • Schools — under Superintendent Jill Patton’s leadership, schools are sharing prevention messaging with families and supporting youth-focused programs.

  • Law Enforcement — the School Resource Officer program, led by Officer Kyle Infanger, provides a daily prevention presence at school.

  • Community Groups — partnerships with organizations like The Mahoney House and the Community Justice Center expand support and resources for at-risk youth and families.

  • Healthcare — Steele Memorial Medical Center continues to play a role in initiatives like Drug Take-Back events and substance use education.

These partnerships ensure that prevention isn’t just a school issue or a family issue — it’s a community-wide priority.

A Culture of Prevention

Our ultimate goal is to help create a Salmon where prevention isn’t just a program but a way of life. That means:

  • Families making time for meals together.

  • Parents setting firm, loving boundaries.

  • Teens leading peers by example.

  • Schools, law enforcement, and community organizations uniting around consistent prevention messages.

When prevention is woven into everyday life, it becomes part of the culture. And culture change is what leads to lasting impact.

Looking ahead, we see opportunities — not just challenges. Each school year brings new ways to strengthen protective factors, provide safe alternatives, and build a healthier future for our youth. With the commitment of parents, the leadership of students, and the support of community partners, we can continue to build momentum.

Together, Salmon can create a culture of health, safety, and success. Prevention is possible, and it starts with all of us working hand-in-hand to make this school year the strongest one yet.

Sources:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Talk. They Hear You.® Campaign.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.

  • CASA, Columbia University. (2020). The Importance of Family Engagement in Prevention.

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