The Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth is looking to build on lessons from a recent prevention advocacy training that emphasized accurate information, current research and credible communication when discussing substance use with young people.
The training, titled “Prevention Advocacy Training: Accuracy, Credibility, Evidence,” was presented by Chelsea Cooley, a senior project manager. It focused on how prevention advocates can maintain credibility by relying on scientific research rather than exaggeration, anecdotes or outdated terminology.
Ruthanne McCormack, program director of the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth, said one of her primary takeaways was the importance of using research when discussing substance use.
“Very important to use evidence-based messaging. Rely on current scientific research and data,” McCormack said. “Don't give stories about people you know or families you know who have lost family members to substance use disorder. And get reputable sources, such as medical professionals, people that are in the field.”
The presentation stressed that personal stories can be emotionally powerful but should not replace large-scale studies, epidemiological data and peer-reviewed research. It also warned that exaggerated claims can cause young people, medical professionals and policymakers to lose trust in prevention advocates.
The Coalition has already incorporated information about adolescent brain development into its prevention work, McCormack said. The training noted that the brain continues developing until about age 25, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making, impulse control and long-term planning.
McCormack said the Coalition has emphasized that message since cannabis was legalized in New York in 2019.
“We always stress the dangers of the brain and how it doesn't fully develop until age 26,” she said. “We stress about letting the brain mature without hindering it with any kind of substances or other medications.”
The coalition has used that approach in school programming. McCormack said it recently conducted an evidence-based prevention program for about 200 students at Oceanside High School, focusing on what can happen when substances are used while the brain is still developing.
She said the coalition would like to see similar information reach students at younger ages. The organization starts its prevention efforts in kindergarten, while McCormack said parents in Rockville Centre have expressed interest in bringing more information into elementary schools.
The training also addressed the importance of modern terminology, recommending terms such as “cannabis” instead of “marijuana” and “person with a substance use disorder” instead of “addict.”
McCormack said the language is particularly important for the coalition because it receives federal funding.
“It's really important, and it's especially important for federally funded organizations like ours because we cannot have any of that language in any of our action plans or in our grant application,” she said.
The coalition plans to continue educating residents, schools, parents and policymakers about youth substance use and prevention. McCormack said the organization also provides Narcan and plans to work with Rockville Centre bars and restaurants on having it available in case of an overdose.
Looking ahead to the new school year, McCormack said the Coalition is planning a new billboard campaign addressing fentanyl and heroin use and will work with the DEA on community education. She said the coalition's central message is to bring prevention conversations into homes and schools.
