TOPEKA, Kan. – Prevention groups gathered at the statehouse for Prevention Advocacy Day to support those facing substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Many of these programs focus on helping people struggling with addiction to alcohol, vaping, and opioids. One such initiative is Upstream Kansas, which aims to boost youth leadership in substance use prevention.
“We’re seeing more and more young people facing these issues, and we’re even seeing it start at younger ages,” said Arabella Taylor from Upstream Kansas. “For example, we caught a sixth-grader vaping. It’s crucial to address this problem early, so kids don’t start vaping at such a young age.”
Other initiatives at the statehouse included efforts aimed at suicide prevention. Notable organizations like Zero Reasons Why, Beacon for Hope, and the 988 Suicide Hotline were also represented.
These groups had meaningful conversations with lawmakers about the challenges they face and exchanged advice on how to reach more people in need of help.
“It’s essential for lawmakers to understand the importance of our prevention work,” said Taylor. “We’re here to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking, vaping, and substance use. It truly is a serious issue.”
Source link
Prevention Advocacy Day,upstream kansas,988,advocates,for,kansas,initiatives,addiction,mental,health,support,lawmakers,statehouse,zero,reasons,why,beacon,hope,suicide,prevention,hotline
