Video: High School Seniors Lead Drug Use Prevention Summit

The Fairfield Youth Coalition

In January of 2025, a group of high school seniors in Fairfield, Ohio, taught local middle schoolers about the dangers of misusing prescription medications at a substance use prevention summit. These students participate in The Fairfield Youth coalition, an extra-curricular activity co-sponsored by Fairfield Prevention Coalition, one of the hundreds of community coalitions funded by the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program. The coalition, which receives supplemental funding through the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, provides training to youth leaders to build their skills and share information about preventing substance use with their peers in a positive way. These efforts are making a difference. Local data shows that underage drinking has decreased by 32% and that prescription drug misuse is below national rates.1 The local news channel featured the students in the segment: Ohio High School Seniors Lead Substance Use Prevention Summit for Middle Schoolers | Get Smart About Drugs.

Meaningful youth engagement is a cornerstone of the DFC Program. Building strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends at school, at home, and in the community provides youth with a sense of purpose. The work of these high school seniors in Fairfield is just one example of how the DFC Program gives youth the opportunity to engage and connect with their communities.