Messages & Toolkits
Everyday is Med Take Back Day on MI
Every day is Med Take Back Day on Mercer Island. While medicines help treat disease, manage chronic conditions, and improve health - unused and expired prescription medications pose a public safety concern.
The DEA’s Take Back Day events in April and October provide an opportunity for Islanders to safely dispose of prescription medications. HYI promotes year-round disposal and safe storage.
MOST of US on MI
MOST Mercer Island youth DO NOT use marijuana, alcohol, vape or other substances. The Healthy Youth Initiative since 2009 has followed the Positive Community Norms (PCN) model developed by renowned Mr. Jeff Linkenback and guidance from Montana State University’s Center for Health and Safety Culture.
Our team 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.
Be Kind to Your Mind
For May Mental Health Awareness Month HYI and Mercer Island High School’s Minds Matter student organization partner to promote “Be Kind to Your Mind” art contest.
However, every month is an opportunity to promote mental health awareness on the Island and we continue to prioritize your mental health and find ways to stay safe and healthy emotionally and physically. If you are in need of mental health support, please contact MIYFS Intake or Crisis Connections.
One Choice
The Institute for Behavior and Health is reframing the goal of substance use prevention as One Choice: no use of any alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs by youth under age 21 for reasons of health. The One Choice message is based on 3 main facts: 1) The developing brain is uniquely vulnerable to substance use. 2) For teens, all substance use is related. 3) More than ever, young people are making one choice. . Visit >
Rethinking College Drinking
From WA State Health Care Authority and the University of Washington, this campaign uses compelling data to urge young adults to rethink alcohol or marijuana use, and discover healthy alternative to cope with the new stressors of academic and college life. Visit >
You Are
Marijuana’s Not, You Are - You are here. The moments after you graduate are for personal and professional growth. You are saying hello to independence, expanding your horizons and deciding not to let marijuana mess with those plans. From WA Health Care Authority. Visit >
Looks Can Deceive
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched this national campaigns focused on preparing parents and caregivers for one of the most important conversations they may ever have with your kids - underage drinking. Visit >
Start Talking Now
You are the most powerful influence in your child's life. This campaign empowers parents to know how alcohol and marijuana affect the developing teen brain and body, and provides resources to begin talking early and often with your children and teens about the risks. Visit >
You Can
Marijuana Can’t You Can, previously Listen2YourSelfie, encourages young people to pursue their dreams and personal goals – and helps them to see that marijuana may distract from achieving their future. From Washington State Department of Health. Visit >
Not a Moment Wasted
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) launched a positive, hopeful campaign that encourages young people and their parents to improve wellness and practice healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety, and not turn to alcohol or other drug use to cope. Visit >
Starts with One
The Starts with One campaign is designed to inform and educate young adults, their parents, and older adults about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe storage, use, and disposal. This campaign is funded by the WA State Health Care Authority (HCA). Visit >
Focus On+
Focus on what matters campaign from Washington Healthy Youth Coalition (WHYC) encourages youth and young adults to focus
on what’s important in life—instead of letting
pop culture and false ideas around underage drinking influence what you do. Visit >