Part of the Solution: Engaging Youth in Addressing Ohio's Opioid Crisis
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Date
2018-04
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
Ohio is facing an alarming public health crisis related to opioid overdose deaths. Creating a stronger future will involve engaging youth to be part of the solution. Principles of positive youth development and prevention science can guide our efforts to address this issue. Learn about the mechanisms of positive youth development and current program opportunities, available curricula and innovative resources – including the Medicine Cabinet Display – for raising awareness about opioid abuse. Learn ways to engage youth in promoting healthier behaviors and environments, especially related to drug abuse prevention. Also learn about benefits, challenges, strategies for ongoing engagement, and enhanced impacts realized by convening conversations with partner organizations through a teen forum on the opioid crisis.
Description
Ohio is facing an alarming public health crisis related to opioid overdose deaths. In 2016, 4,050 Ohioans died of an unintentional drug overdose [6,7,8]. The 2016 overdose toll is 33 percent greater than 2015, and 2017 is on target to outpace 2016 [10]. OSU Extension is well-positioned to raise awareness about and foster collaborative efforts to address the opioid crisis, including engaging teens in prevention efforts that can help send messages of hope to Ohioans. In the past, prevention efforts often focused on discouraging single behaviors, such as substance abuse or delinquency [2]. However, research suggests using a comprehensive approach that blends principles of positive youth development (PYD), risk and resilience, and prevention science [2,3]. The PYD approach promotes positive outcomes by engaging youth in productive ways, recognizing strengths, providing leadership opportunities, and building positive relationships [12,16]. It also fosters the five Cs: competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring [4,5]. Young people who develop the five Cs are less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors and more likely to do well in school, be civically engaged and value diversity [4,5,13]. Further, youth-led prevention research suggests the value in youth hearing directly from their peers about how to deal with peer pressure and other issues [15]. Youth-led prevention is a strategy recommended by the Ohio Joint Study Committee on Drug Use Prevention Education [9]. Teens can be effective advocates for health [1,11]. OSU Extension launched a state-level 4-H Healthy Living Advocate (HLA) program in 2015-2016 [14]. Teen participants developed action plans, taught peers and younger youth, advocated for healthier choices, and helped plan a statewide teen health summit. In 2017, 4-H HLAs created action plans with goals of raising awareness among Ohioans about the extent of the opioid problem in Ohio, who is affected by opioid abuse, and the actions people can take to be a part of the solution. They created the concept of a "medicine cabinet display" to prompt people to learn about medications they may have and to recognize that anyone can be affected by opioid misuse. The university will demonstrate a commitment to create change by hosting "Hope for Ohio: A Teen Forum on the Opioid Crisis" on Dec. 2, 2017. This is one of the first major events involving Ohio's youth as contributors to turning the crisis around. Key organizations that have partnered with Ohio State to plan this event and engage participants from underrepresented populations in both urban and rural communities include Ohio Farm Bureau, FFA, the Prevention Action Alliance and Youth to Youth International. Outcomes and impacts from the forum will be shared. This session is intended for professionals who work with youth. The presenters co-direct the 4-H HLA program, provide state-level presentations about addressing the opioid crisis, and lead numerous community-engaged health promotion projects.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Carol Smathers, Assistant Professor and Field Specialist in Youth Nutrition and Wellness, The Ohio State University Extension, smathers.14@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Theresa Ferrari, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in 4-H Youth Development, The Ohio State University Extension.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Carol Smathers, Assistant Professor and Field Specialist in Youth Nutrition and Wellness, The Ohio State University Extension, smathers.14@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Theresa Ferrari, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in 4-H Youth Development, The Ohio State University Extension.
Keywords
opioid crisis, positive youth development, youth-led prevention, community partnerships
Citation
Engaged Scholars, v. 6 (2018).