What is this strategy?
Fund programs, services, or training to encourage early identification and intervention for children or adolescents who may be struggling with problematic use of drugs or mental health conditions, including Youth Mental Health First Aid, peer-based programs, or similar approaches. Training programs may target parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health or human services professionals, or others in contact with children or adolescents.
Why early intervention?
Licit and illicit drug use are part of our world. Early drug use is complex and multi-faceted. These interventions empower people to understand and address the underlying issues that accelerate drug use.
Featured Resources
- Download Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens, a free curriculum for schools
- View NC Substance Use and Behavioral Health Coalitions by county
Complete List of Resources
The following resources have been compiled by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to help local governments better understand this strategy.
The resources below are organized by level.
Jump to: Introductory Resources | Intermediate Resources | Advanced Resources
Introductory Resources
Intermediate Resources
Advanced Resources
