Lake County ADAMHS Board Joins Forces With the National Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign “Talk. They Hear You.”®
The campaign guides parents and caregivers to engage in conversations with young people about the risks of alcohol and substance misuse.
Mentor, OH—Parents play the most significant role in shaping their children’s choices about alcohol and other substances. Over 80 percent of young people aged 10 to 18 cite their parents as the leading influence on their decision about whether to drink alcohol. Despite this, many parents hesitate to start these critical conversations. To support local families in bridging this gap, the Lake County ADAMHS Board proudly announces its new partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign.
This collaboration provides parents and caregivers in Lake County with free access to evidence-based tools and resources designed to help them communicate effectively with their children about the risks of underage drinking and substance use.
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol remains the most misused substance among America’s youth. However, other substances, including marijuana and prescription pain medications, are also increasingly prevalent among young people. In Lake County, these trends mirror national statistics. Kimberly Fraser, Executive Director of the Lake County ADAMHS Board, highlighted the importance of addressing this issue:
“Research shows that nearly 5% of youth and 10% of adults meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder in a given year. The prevalence of binge drinking in Lake County is higher than the state and national averages so it remains our key focus for outreach and education efforts. We’re thrilled to bring the ‘Talk. They Hear You.’® campaign to our community as part of our mission to combat substance misuse.”
The “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign, a nationwide initiative, equips parents with a variety of tools to help reduce and prevent underage drinking. These include fact sheets, brochures, infographics, and public service announcements. While the campaign originally focused on alcohol use, it has since expanded its messaging to address the risks of other substances such as marijuana and prescription drugs. New resources also help parents engage in age-appropriate discussions with younger children about these topics.
“This campaign will enhance our local efforts to educate families about the dangers of substance misuse and the importance of early, open communication,” said Fraser. “With these resources, parents and caregivers can feel empowered to have meaningful conversations that build trust and help prevent risky behaviors.”
For more information about the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign and to access free resources, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov. To learn more about local support services available in Lake County, go to www.helpthatworks.us.
About the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board: The Lake County ADAMHS Board plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates services available to residents who are living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. For more information, visit our website at HelpThatWorks.us
David Schick
Director of Marketing & Communications
Kim Fraser,
Director Lake County ADAMHS Board
Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board
9237 Mentor Ave., Unit B
Mentor, OH 44060
440-350-2193 – Office
440-668-5740 – Mobile
Categories: ADAMHS Board, Lake County - General