Four projects helping communities create tailored approaches to substance use prevention are receiving $750,000, including one locally.
Planet Youth Nipissing is a community-based initiative to address the root causes of early substance use.
The three-year funding is helping communities that have already begun implementing the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) to identify, test, and evaluate substance use prevention interventions for youth.
“Planet Youth emphasizes the importance of building a strong coalition to lead primary prevention work,” says Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Medical Officer of Health. “This funding will help Planet Youth Nipissing to increase awareness and engagement around addressing risk and protective factors for youth wellbeing, and to develop effective local strategies for building supportive environments.”
Officials say key activities will include data dissemination, community engagement, and ongoing evaluation.
Last year, Planet Youth Nipissing surveyed more than 700 high school students in North Bay and West Nipissing.
According to the report, 17% vape daily while in the previous month 16% used cannabis and a third drank alcohol.
“Funding from the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program enables communities to take action to prevent substance use and support young people in ways that meet their unique needs,” says Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “Through these tailored, community-based approaches, young people will receive the support, safety and opportunities they deserve.”
Federal officials say IPM is an internationally recognized, collaborative approach to preventing youth substance use, built around 10 key steps focused on strengthening communities and promoting healthy environments.
