Community Education & Awareness

Community Education & Awareness Events

The more we learn about youth substance use, the more equipped we are as adults to react to their use in responsible and helpful ways. The data we gather through our youth prevention services helps to guide the education that we provide to parents, school staff, and community members. Each year we partner with district leaders to educate and bring awareness to parents, school administration and community members across Minnesota. These unique events are a free opportunity for parents, professionals and other concerned individuals to hear from experts in the field of youth substance use prevention. We offer free CEUs at these trainings.

Ramsey County OPUS Coalition

In 2017, we led the implementation of the Ramsey County OPUS Coalition, now a Federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant recipient. This coalition targets Ramsey County, one of the most culturally diverse counties in the state. Current efforts and goals to reduce youth substance use and increase community collaboration are being implemented through the multicultural resource action team and peer-to-peer support groups. Our coalition’s activities consist of: offering prevention education programming to all high schools, middle schools, and alternative learning centers in Ramsey County; Peer to Peer Groups for high-risk school districts; Drug Take Back Events; Community Education Events; opportunities for the youth and community to get involved – such as: monthly meetings, planning and attending events, and organizing youth involvement with the coalition; and the creation of multicultural versions of student education in order to increase access to evidence-based prevention services for underserved and diverse populations.
● DFC Goal One: Increase community collaboration
● DFC Goal Two: Reduce youth substance use

From Statistics To Solutions Conference

From Statistics to Solutions is an annual conference attracting 300+ attendees that explores the ever-evolving issues impacting youth substance use, and how to connect and engage with young people about substance trends and use. Additionally, FSTS brings together dozens of recovery allies and resources involved in prevention and recovery to address important and relevant subject matter. Presentations and panel discussions include local and national experts.