For the 2023-24 school year, Beach Cities Health District’s Youth Advisory Council took a proactive approach to address one of the most pressing issues facing teens today—substance use. Over the course of the year, Council members dedicated their time and energy to developing five distinct campaigns, each focused on a different substance: fentanyl, cannabis, nicotine, hallucinogens and alcohol.

The five groups drafted posters and social media posts to raise awareness about the dangers of each substance and to promote healthier choices among their peers. This included emphasizing informed decision-making and highlighting the long-term consequences of substance use. Each group’s materials were carefully crafted to engage teens in a meaningful way, focusing on the facts, while also offering support and encouragement for living a substance-free life.

A key focus of the project was empowerment. Council members wanted to do more than just inform their peers—they wanted to inspire them. The goal was not only to highlight the risks of substance use but also to remind young people of their own potential to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Whether through facts about the dangers of fentanyl or messages about the impact of nicotine addiction, the posters fostered a sense of responsibility and confidence in making the right choices.

At the Youth Advisory Council’s final meeting in May, the five groups presented their projects, demonstrating their creativity, passion and commitment. Their work not only brought attention to the issue of substance use but also showcased the leadership and dedication of the young people in their community.