Potomac Highlands Guild in recent years has turned to evidence-based programming to identify risk factors and related substance abuse in young people. Unlike many programs, this one starts with the perspective of the young people themselves, what they see around them, and grows from there.
After seeing success in Hardy County with the program, Patricia Sponaugle, a Partnership for Success Coordinator with Potomac Highlands Guild, would like to see the work replicated in Pendleton County.
“I’m just starting in Pendleton,” she shared. “Everything is private and it is all science-based.”
Sponaugle started by examining data, noting, for example, that Narcan use has increased in Pendleton County in the past three years, although what for and who on are not available to know.
The first direct step lies in getting a group of young people together to take part in an assessment. Participants will be asked 10 questions that inquire if they have experienced a certain major stressor in their lives, such as parental divorce or abuse. “Every time you have dealt with that, you put your finger up,” she explained.
Sadly, “so many kids out there have a score higher than four,” she stated. Higher scores often can indicate a higher probability of trouble. Chances of substance abuse or serious emotional disturbance are high among children with elevated scores.
Once the risk factor level is established, then young people get to report what they see and what they know about substance use among their peers. This helps to identify a target behavior to address collectively.
A Moorefield youth group, for example, noted that youth vaping was a prevalent problem in schools there. The participants in the program then worked to develop strategies of influence and community engagement, including writing up a proclamation for the Hardy County Commission to pass for Prevention Month this October.
That said, the program follows the lead of the youth. If they identify overconsumption of energy drinks, for example, as an important issue, the group might focus on that.
Currently Sponaugle is laying the groundwork for the program, for example attending the first regular meeting of the Pendleton County Commission in August. She also wants to meet with Patrick McGregor, incoming Pendleton County Middle/High School principal. Outreach will also take place with the new director of the Pendleton County Family Support Center.
Sponaugle seeks to target high school-aged children at first because “that age range is so essential.” Additionally, she will work to build coalitions with community organizations, such as law enforcement and other emergency responders.
Sponaugle already has a program planned for elementary school students under the leadership of Mary Beth Hebb. That will “teach kiddos life skills,” such as being assertive, critical thinking, and guidance to develop healthy life habits.
