From June 9-11, San Mateo County students participated in the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Advocacy Academy, a project of the Overdose Prevention Coalition’s Youth and Schools Action Team.

The academy was developed through the Coalition’s participation in the California Overdose Prevention Network Accelerator 7.0 cohort, a 12-month program intended to help local overdose prevention coalitions strengthen their performance and impact. The program was a three-day intensive leadership program designed for high school students in grades 9-12 who are ready to move beyond basic alcohol and other drug prevention training and become true change agents in their communities. 

Working with the San Mateo County Office of Education, Jefferson Union High School District, Youth Point Health, Youth Leadership Institute, and Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Coalition created an experience centered on youth voices and leadership. The focus of the cohort was to build adaptive leadership skills to bridge overdose prevention with behavioral health services. The participating student leaders began developing overdose prevention and youth-centered services treatment projects that they can bring back to their schools to share with their peers.

“More than a one-time training, the Academy serves as a launchpad for ongoing youth leadership and is intended to expand prevention capacity across school campuses throughout San Mateo County. During the three-day experience, students explored the root causes of substance use, learned community organizing and adaptive leadership strategies, acquired overdose prevention knowledge, and began designing youth-led prevention and treatment access projects they can implement at their schools. Participants also gained the skills to serve as peer educators, lead positive social norms campaigns, conduct youth-led research and storytelling, and partner with adult allies to create healthier school communities.” – Mary Bier, Lead Facilitator  

Youth Prevention Academy Results

• When participants were asked, “How comfortable are you speaking to other students about substance use prevention, harm reduction, and connecting others to support resources?” only 14% said they were “very comfortable” before the training. After the training, 67% said they were “very comfortable,” a testament to the success of the academy.
• When asked, “How confident are you in your leadership and event planning skills to help organize prevention activities or campaigns on your campus?” 14% said they were “very confident” before the training. After the training, 61% said they were “very confident.’
• Reflecting on the experience, one participant said,  “I learned the steps to take regarding turning activities into actions as well as more knowledge on why opioids are such a prominent issue. Overall, my confidence regarding changing my school community increased by a lot and I have a much better idea on how I am going to do so thanks to the amazing leaders that led me through poster activities and lectures!”

The academy reflects a core goal of the Youth and Schools Action Team: equipping young people with accurate information, meaningful leadership opportunities, and youth-centered pathways to support.

To learn more about the work of the San Mateo County Overdose Prevention Coalition and to get involved, visit us at smchealth.org/post/san-mateo-county-overdose-prevention-coalition.