What can communities do to fight youth substance abuse? A volunteer-based coalition was formed in Panguitch to provide the educational support and resources necessary to avoid substance abuse by youth.
The Panguitch Prevention Coalition gives peer education to local schools, and sponsors activities in the community. They also have a suicide prevention youth group in the school called the Hope Squad. The Coalition not only focuses on youth, but also on educating parents and other members of the community about local alcohol and drug issues and trends. Each year they sponsor events such as Community Family Night and Prescription Drug Take Back.
Community members and local leaders identified three primary issues to focus on: alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. The use of each of these has increased over time and are above the state average. Their goal is to increase parental involvement, change community awareness, and decrease substance abuse.
SelectHealth recognizes the essential work of the Panguitch Prevention Coalition as another example of how Utah Gives Back.