WHAT WE DO
MHYP members are actively working on a variety of strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of underage drinking, cannabis, tobacco, vaping, opioids and other drug use among local youth. Through government grants, individual donations, and a group of dedicated volunteers – we implement community initiatives following an environmental prevention strategy.
Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk is a parent and community education campaign that was spearheaded by MHYP in 2020 and is a collaboration between the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE), OD Free Marin, Marin Prevention Network. Let’s Talk booklets address the risks, hyperlocal conditions, and protective factors of underage substance use – tailored toward parents of incoming sixth-graders and ninth-graders. In addition to the booklets, there are community discussions hosted throughout the year with topic experts and local youth. The booklet is updated every year to keep with the current state of substance use and facts.
RAISING THE BAR
Raising the Bar is a parent norms campaign that was conceived and piloted by MHYP in 2017 (RVHCC at the time). RTB is now a countywide campaign that aims to elevate kids’ experience in youth-oriented programs by changing the social norms around the consumption of alcohol and other substances. Parents, program directors, and community members work together to promote healthy choices and keep youth events substance-free. Get Involved.
NUMB OR NOURISH
Numb or Nourish acknowledges that today we live in an environment where industries, technologies and products are designed to get us hooked. The website outlines a 3-step process – Pause, Reflect, Decide – that teaches how to take a moment to pause, to reflect on how we can best take care of ourselves, and to make a conscious decision. The campaign is designed to build skills and raise awareness about decisions related to substances. MHYP initiated this campaign in partnership with TUPE and Marin Prevention Network. Get Involved.
Youth aDvocacy Committee
MHYP Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) was developed in 2017. YAC is a group of local high school students who stimulate positive community change by promoting awareness, education, and legislative action regarding underage substance use and misuse. YAC collaborates with Youth Leadership Institute, TUHSD Wellness Centers, Youth Transforming Justice and TUPE educators to provide peer-peer education and advocacy.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
MHYP hosts community education events to increase awareness of underage use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drugs – and to share common language and solutions. A few of these events were: An Evening with Nic and David Sheff, Alcohol: The Magic Potion Screening, The First Day Film Screening and Parenting Now for Healthy Youth Later. We also host 4 community discussions each year as part of the Let’s Talk Discussion Series.
public health policy
MHYP volunteers engage in community awareness and outreach activities across the county to support public policy that has proven to reduce underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Our members collaborated with Smoke-Free Marin on countywide flavored tobacco bans and smoke-free multi-unit housing. They participate in public meetings related to cannabis policy. MHYP members also collaborate on policy related to Social Host Ordinances and Healthy Stores Healthy Communities. Get Involved.
research and data
MHYP analyses local conditions to determine community needs and effective strategies to implement in our cities and towns. We use California Healthy Kids Survey data, conduct focus groups among middle and high school students, interview key informants and engage in community based participatory research activities. We also stay abreast of the most recent peer-reviewed journals with up-to-date information on impacts of substances and policies on youth. MHYP member, Dr. Jeremiah Mock, conducted a study on e-cigarette waste at local high schools that was published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
TRAINING AND COLLECTIVE IMPACT
MHYP completed CADCA National Coalition Academy training in 2018 and they participate in the CADCA Annual Leadership Forum each year. A key to MHYP’s longevity and success is through partnering with other community agencies and organizations to expand the scope and reach of our prevention efforts. MHYP also offer community training opportunities such as the SBIRT training held in 2019. Recently in 2022, MHYP hosted an Introduction to Race Works training focusing on Anti-Racism with Dr. Lori Watson.
planning and evaluation
MHYP holds annual strategic planning sessions with our community sector representatives where we “look back, look around, and look ahead” to determine the best strategies to meet our collective goals. Our members participate in Coalition Assessment Surveys every few years to identify organizational strengths and weaknesses. Our evaluation team administers post-event surveys to gauge the impact of our community education efforts. MHYP relies on feedback from the community, coalition members and partners to address local conditions and identify effective prevention strategies.