This is Us

Most Summit County youth… Are healthy and active. Participate in sports, theater, dance, art, music, or volunteer service. Choose to be tobacco-free, alcoholfree, and drug-free.

So…what does this mean, and why is it so important to Summit County parents? You may have seen the social norms marketing campaign, This is US, which provides positive statistics from Summit Middle School and Summit High School student surveys. Social norms marketing is a new science-based prevention strategy utilized nationwide. And, the good news is that we are seeing positive results right here in Summit County.

This is US aims to decrease the misconceptions of youth about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and to decrease the use of substances among our youth. Have you heard the “Everyone does it” scenario? It is prevalent among young people nationwide. If a child is more apt to think that “everyone is drinking”, they may be more likely to experiment with alcohol in order to be part of the majority. In the five years of the campaign, the surveys have shown that not everyone is drinking, and in fact, a large majority of the students are not taking part in risky behaviors. The survey results are reported back to students through posters and other messaging to reinforce positive behaviors.

You might be wondering how you can help. Youth in Summit County need a strong voice showing that we applaud the majority of students in our community making health choices. We need to remember that it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to have a consistent message to youth. Thank you to parents and the community as a whole for supporting and encouraging Summit County’s youth.

Summit Prevention Alliance Phone: (970) 668-2077 Fax: (970) 668-1737