Concerns in
Spencer County 
In Spencer County
there is a need to address youth use of alcohol and tobacco, as well
as community norms surrounding underage substance abuse. Alcohol
and cigarettes have been the top two drugs of choice for Spencer
County middle and high school students.
Spencer County
youth have a high perception of substance abuse by their peers but a
low perception of disapproval. Additionally, their perception that
substance abuse is harmful is low while their perception of parental
approval concerning alcohol and tobacco is high.
The C.A.N. Plan
Prevention programs
in Spencer County need to target not only youth, but also parents
and the community at large, in order to address these dangerous
norms that support youth substance abuse.
Through the
Drug-Free Community Support Program and with community partners,
C.A.N. is focusing efforts on implementing a community-wide campaign
to strengthen and promote positive, healthy norms and increase
protective factors through a Social Norms Marketing Campaign (http://www.socialnorms.org).
By doing so, much needed information regarding substance abuse will
be provided to adults.
With the help of
school personnel and youth, we have designed and are disseminating
multiple media messages to correct youth misperceptions of peer use
of alcohol and tobacco and increasing the number of positive,
non-use messages used by teachers, parents, and other community
adults.
If you want to
participate in making a difference in Spencer County, you’re invited
to join the Spencer County Community Action Network. We welcome all
who can donate their time, talent, and/or resources for local
projects to educate the community about prevention.
TOGETHER WE
CAN!
