Local Team Works to Keep Kids Drug-Free

In a small town, there is a group called Wilkes Youth Life Development. They run a youth council known as the Teen Action Council. This council gets money from the Drug-Free Communities program. Their goal is to stop substance use among kids. They bring together different parts of the community to work as a team.

They teach kids skills using the Positive Action program. They also offer teen Mental Health First Aid classes. To keep homes safer, they hand out medication lockboxes that families can use. Young people lead projects, plan events, and speak up about needed changes in their neighborhood.

Their team includes police officers, shop owners, public health workers, and youth leaders. Outside help comes from groups like Community Impact NC, Vaya Health, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. By mixing money sources, getting regular training, and building strong partnerships, the coalition has grown its reach. It has become stronger. It can keep its work going for years.

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