Substance Use Prevention
Island youth are experiencing negative consequences that can be prevented. HYI understands that most Islanders highly value the health and safety of local youth and there are things we can do with youth at any age that will positively impact their development.
Every Day is Med Take Back Day on Mercer Island
Every day is Med Take Back Day on Mercer Island. Unused and expired prescription medications pose a public safety concern and the misuse of prescription medications can have serious medical consequences.
All residents can request to have a mail-back envelope sent to their home to dispose of unwanted medications. To further ensure the safety of our youth, the Healthy Youth Initiative is also providing a lockbox to any Mercer Island resident at no cost. For your convenience, the lockbox will be mailed to your residence. In these challenging times, every Mercer Island resident can be active in preventing prescription misuse and protecting the youth in our community.
Positive Community Norms
MOST Mercer Island youth DO NOT use marijuana, alcohol, vape or other substances. The Healthy Youth Initiative uses reliable data to demonstrate that positive norms already exist on Mercer Island that support youth and young adults to make healthy and safe choices.
Since 2009, the HYI follows the Positive Community Norms (PCN) model developed by renowned Mr. Jeff Linkenback at Montana State University. Our PCN campaigns challenge community and peer misperceptions that influence healthy behaviors among Mercer Island youth. By highlighting our community strengths and protective factors, HYI aims to support meaningful social change.
Social Host Ordinance to Prevent Underage Alcohol Use
In 2011, Mercer Island city counsel passed Washington State’s first Social Host Ordinance that expanded on existing the state’s ordinance to include owners of the residence where underage gatherings involving alcohol. This ordinance acts as a community-wide effort to create positive social settings for youth without alcohol.
All Island parents and youth benefit from increased awareness of underage drinking and discussion on the subject of setting limits and deterrents around underage alcohol consumption.
Safe Hosting on Mercer Island
Parents are the number one reason that MOST Mercer Island youth choose NOT to use alcohol or other substances. As yearend school celebrations and events begin, the Healthy Youth Initiative reminds parents of the positive impact they have on their child’s decision to make healthy and safe choices, including NOT using alcohol and other drugs.