Nonprofit trains youth to combat overdose crisis

A nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles is making significant strides in combating the overdose crisis among youth in California and beyond. During a recent government meeting, representatives from the organization outlined their peer-led approach to overdose prevention, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted education and resources for young people.

The organization reported that national overdose deaths have surpassed 100,000, with California seeing particularly high rates of drug use among individuals aged 18 to 25 and those under 17. In response, they have implemented a strategy focused on peer-to-peer education, distributing resources in settings such as middle schools, high schools, college campuses, nightlife venues, and online platforms.

This year alone, the organization has trained 14,000 students through a chapter program led by college students, with a total of 216,000 individuals trained over the past year—70% of whom are in California. The training sessions are designed to engage young people effectively, utilizing social media and influencers to disseminate information in a relatable manner.

The organization has also partnered with major music companies to conduct training at large events, reaching hundreds of thousands of attendees. Their efforts have shown promising results, with a study indicating a 25% increase in retention rates of the educational material provided.

As the meeting progressed, Dr. Congen highlighted the ongoing substance use crisis in California, acknowledging the successes achieved thus far while stressing the importance of continued focus on youth education and prevention strategies. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including public health officials and educational institutions, are crucial in addressing this pressing issue.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on enhancing these initiatives and addressing the challenges posed by substance use among young people.