A huge thank you to our amazing speakers from this month’s 2nd Thursday Meeting for sharing such powerful and important information about substance use prevention efforts right here in Scott County. 💙
Scott County Public Health presented an update on community-wide efforts to prevent youth and adult substance misuse through collaboration, education, and data-driven strategies. The presentation highlights key programs, community partnerships, and the outcomes of ongoing prevention initiatives.
Key Programs and Coalitions
1. Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program
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Goal: Strengthen collaboration among community sectors to reduce youth substance use and long-term adult misuse.
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Approach: Partner with public, private, and tribal organizations to address risk factors and promote protective community environments.
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Coalition: The Scott County Prevention Coalition (SCPC) represents 12 community sectors working together for a sustainable, healthy community.
2. Youth Advisory Committee
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Focus: Youth-led prevention and education around nicotine, marijuana, and mental health.
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Raise community awareness on substance use and mental health.
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Encourage youth to make healthy, informed decisions.
Objectives:
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3. Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention (CSUP) Initiative
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Purpose: Empower schools and organizations to implement evidence-based strategies addressing cannabis and other substances.
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Requirement: All projects must include a cannabis prevention component.
Cannabis Needs-Based Assessment
Objectives:
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Identify community perceptions, concerns, and disparities in cannabis use and prevention access.
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Assess service gaps and barriers in prevention, treatment, and recovery systems.
Key Findings:
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Normalization & Misperceptions: Cannabis viewed as “safe,” with rising use among youth and older adults.
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Youth Access & Risk: Early exposure through peers and retailers; high use of synthetic THC.
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Mental Health Impacts: Increased anxiety, psychosis, and self-medication patterns.
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Equity Concerns: Higher effects among LGBTQ+, Native, and unhoused residents.
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System Gaps: Limited detox options, no mother-child recovery centers, few school chemical counselors, and lack of sober housing.
Recommended Actions:
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Enact local cannabis regulations (e.g., Social Host Ordinance).
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Expand recovery spaces and school-based supports.
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Create multilingual prevention campaigns and culturally responsive programs.
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Focus education on correcting misconceptions and preventing youth access.
Mini-Grant Program
Goal: Support community and school-based prevention efforts that include policy, systems, or environmental change.
Timeline:
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Applications Open: November 1, 2025
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Deadline: December 20, 2025
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Funding Period: January–September 2026
Funded Projects (2025):
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Mi Casa: Hosted interactive theatre workshops promoting empathy, resilience, and substance refusal skills.
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Belle Plaine High School: Installed prevention-themed signage and empowered student ambassadors.
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Shakopee High School (SPARK Group): Created peer-led education and advocacy programs to reduce youth substance use.
Contact Information
For questions:
📧 emhill@co.scott.mn.us | emmanderson@co.scott.mn.us
For anyone who wasn’t able to attend, we’re sharing the PowerPoint presentation so you can catch up on the great conversation and key takeaways from the meeting. 📊👇
Thank you again to everyone who joined us, asked questions, and continues to help move substance use prevention forward in Scott County. Together, we’re making a real difference! 💪✨