Capella FPX 4055 Assessment 4

Health Promotion Plan Presentation

Good day, everyone. I am _____, and I appreciate the presence of our valued community partners for this vital session. Today’s presentation addresses the prevention of adolescent substance use among youth aged 12 to 18 in Rowan County, particularly in the communities of Salisbury and Landis. We will examine the dangers of substance misuse, the necessity for early intervention, and methods for empowering youth to make healthier decisions. Additionally, we will share actionable tools for encouraging communication, managing stress, and directing teens to available community resources. This presentation is structured around SMART goals and aligns with the Healthy People 2030 national health objectives.

Presentation Overview

This session includes the following:

• Presenting key statistics on substance use, related risks, and associated health issues.
• Discussing the impact of drugs and alcohol on adolescent well-being and school success.
• Empowering participants to identify early warning signs of substance use.
• Building communication skills to encourage dialogue with trusted adults.
• Involving attendees in interactive exercises like role-plays and stress-relief practices.
• Evaluating understanding, attitudes, and confidence through quizzes and surveys.

Understanding Substance Abuse and Its Consequences

Substance misuse among adolescents is a pressing issue, especially in rural locations such as Rowan County, North Carolina. Although national surveys offer some insight, they often do not capture local realities. According to available regional data, the adolescent substance use rate in Rowan County is approximately 47.1%—an alarming statistic indicating increased risk in this population (Rowan County, 2021). Contributing factors in towns like Salisbury and Landis include low-income levels, unstable family environments, inadequate mental health services, and a lack of safe recreational spaces, all of which elevate the potential for harmful behaviors (Lee et al., 2024).

The consequences of early substance use extend beyond immediate health issues. It is linked with chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, poor school performance, and risky behaviors like unsafe sex and driving under the influence (Lee et al., 2024). Substance use during adolescence may interfere with neurological development, particularly in brain areas tied to judgment and self-regulation. Early education and access to resources are crucial for prevention, especially in underserved rural communities where healthcare and support systems are limited (Horigian et al., 2020).

Table 1: Local Socioeconomic Indicators and Substance Abuse Risk (Rowan County, 2021)

Importance of Early Prevention in Adolescence

Preventing substance use during adolescence significantly enhances long-term health outcomes. Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 are particularly susceptible to long-term harm due to the developmental stage of their brains (Tapert & Shumate, 2022). Substance use can hinder cognitive processes, emotional stability, and academic performance.

Benefits of prevention include:

• Protection of Brain Development: Preventing substance use reduces interference in brain areas responsible for memory and decision-making.
• Improved Academic Outcomes: Students avoiding substances often perform better academically.
• Lower Addiction Risk: Early education can prevent the progression to addiction.
• Enhanced Social Bonds: Youth who abstain are more likely to maintain positive relationships.
• Reduction in Criminal Behavior: Avoiding substances reduces the risk of engaging in illegal activities.
• Stronger Communities: Prevention efforts reduce emergency healthcare use and improve public safety (Rowan County, 2021).

Strategies for Effective Prevention Communication

Engaging adolescents in meaningful discussions about substance use involves tactful and informed approaches:

1. Use of Reliable Evidence: Present data from organizations like the CDC or SAMHSA to reinforce the benefits of early prevention (Horigian et al., 2020).
2. Encouraging Dialogue with Open-Ended Questions: Posing thoughtful questions such as “What might make you feel pressured to try substances?” helps open communication (Kratovil et al., 2023).
3. Debunking Substance Use Myths: Clarifying misconceptions such as “experimentation is harmless” empowers youth to make informed choices (Lee et al., 2024).

SMART Goals Developed for This Session

The following SMART goals were established with participants to guide and measure the session’s effectiveness:

These goals aim to equip participants with the tools and confidence necessary for making healthy lifestyle decisions.

Session Outcomes Based on SMART Goals

The session outcomes aligned closely with our SMART goals:

• Goal 1: Achieved. 85% of attendees successfully identified key risks related to substance use.
• Goal 2: Near goal. 60% expressed readiness for conversations, though some hesitancy remained.
• Goal 3: Surpassed. 100% of participants learned and used stress-reduction techniques like breathing exercises.

Need for Further Improvements

Although the session was impactful, several improvements were identified:

• Communication Readiness: Some teens needed more preparation before engaging in difficult conversations.
• Application of Stress Techniques: A few participants required ongoing support to effectively apply stress-reduction methods.

• Recommended Enhancements:

  • Include simulated family discussions to practice communication skills.
  • Add more guided role-play focused on addressing drug myths.
  • Offer structured follow-up sessions to reinforce skills and offer additional support (Gu et al., 2021).

Feedback from participants emphasized the session’s value. Jason remarked, “I’ve realized how much stress I face, and I now know better ways to manage it without turning to drugs.” Another participant shared, “Before this, I didn’t know how to talk to my parents. Now I feel more prepared.”

Table 2: Participant Feedback and Suggested Enhancements

Evaluation Based on Healthy People 2030 Objectives

This program contributed to meeting Healthy People 2030 goals related to reducing adolescent substance use. Participants demonstrated increased awareness of health consequences, and many improved their coping and communication abilities (Callaghan et al., 2023). These outcomes align with the Leading Health Indicators (LHIs), especially those focused on reducing risky behaviors among youth.

Although progress was evident, challenges like ongoing communication barriers underscore the need for more inclusive interventions. Enhancing parental involvement and offering digital follow-ups are essential for sustaining positive behavioral change (Gu et al., 2021; Horigian et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Preventing substance abuse among adolescents in Rowan County requires a multifaceted approach rooted in education, family involvement, and community support. While this session made measurable progress in improving awareness and skill-building, additional strategies—such as myth-busting education, stress management practice, and long-term engagement—are critical. Aligning efforts with Healthy People 2030 ensures that these interventions remain relevant and impactful. Empowering teens like Jason through evidence-based prevention not only reduces substance use but also nurtures healthier, more resilient communities.

References

Callaghan, T., Washburn, D., & Dominguez, R. (2023). Adolescent prevention and public health strategy outcomes. Journal of Adolescent Health, 72(1), 25–32.

Dariotis, J. K., & Chen, Y. (2020). Resilience-based interventions for adolescent health. Adolescent Psychiatry, 10(3), 145–154.

Gu, H., Zhao, S., & Miao, Y. (2021). Role-play and reinforcement in adolescent drug prevention. Youth & Society, 53(4), 588–605.

Horigian, V. E., Anderson, A. R., & Szapocznik, J. (2020). Mental health and drug use among adolescents during COVID-19. Journal of Adolescent Health, 67(4), 437–446.

Kratovil, A. L., Lawless, A. J., & Barrett, D. A. (2023). Family dynamics and adolescent substance prevention. Journal of Family Psychology, 37(2), 215–225.

Capella FPX 4055 Assessment 4

Lee, C. M., Neighbors, C., & Woods, B. A. (2024). Understanding rural adolescent substance misuse. Substance Use & Misuse, 59(1), 123–135.

Rowan County. (2021). Rowan County Community Health Needs Assessment. https://www.rowancountync.gov

Tapert, S. F., & Shumate, S. R. (2022). Substance use and adolescent brain development. Neuropsychology Review, 32(2), 223–238.