Students actively engaging in discussions at the STAR Youth Leadership Program.
Nexus Care of Beaufort County is launching the STAR Youth Leadership Program on January 16, 2025, aimed at empowering middle and high school students to address substance abuse. The initiative is designed to encourage peer discussions and provide resources to combat drug misuse. Supported by community partnerships and funding from the CDC, the program promises to foster resilience and promote healthier choices. Additional efforts, including random drug testing in schools, seek to deter substance use among students involved in extracurricular activities. All students are invited to participate free of charge.
In the heart of Beaufort County, an exciting new initiative is kicking off in 2025! Nexus Care, formerly known as the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department, is launching its STAR (Striving to Achieve Resiliency) Youth Leadership Program, and they’re inviting all middle and high school students to jump in and get involved. Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 16, 2025, because from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the St. Helena Branch Library is going to be buzzing with action!
At its core, this meeting is all about encouraging peer-to-peer conversations regarding substance abuse. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by social pressures and the ever-growing concerns surrounding drug misuse, the STAR program is setting the stage for students to take the lead. This engaging event is designed to foster open discussions and is a critical step in helping to reduce substance misuse among students. It’s all free, so everyone in northern Beaufort County has a chance to participate without costing a dime!
This uplifting program is being brought to life in partnership with All Aboard Beaufort, which is supported by funding from the Centers for Disease Control through a Drug-Free Communities award. These organizations are collaborating to tackle primary prevention efforts aimed at combating substance abuse in the northern Beaufort County community. Students at the meeting will engage in a variety of discussions and activities that will help create awareness and understanding around substance abuse issues. This isn’t just a one-off meeting; it’s part of a larger commitment to support a healthier community.
Nexus Care recently celebrated an impressive milestone—its 50th anniversary! With a legacy of care that dates back to 1974, Nexus Care has been tirelessly working to develop programs and services to assist individuals, families, and the community in navigating the complex challenges of alcohol and drug misuse. They focus on providing person-centered prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services aimed at minimizing the impact of substance abuse, which is crucial as communities strive for healthier futures.
As part of its commitment to the community, Nexus Care also offers a range of resources. These include telehealth counseling options, disaster distress helplines, recovery support groups, and referrals to various addiction support websites. The goal is to ensure that those in need receive the assistance they deserve.
If a student tests positive, the program is designed with understanding in mind, allowing for considerations if there are legitimate medical reasons. However, the random drug testing policy has stirred up mixed feelings in the community, with some parents expressing concerns about its effectiveness and the implications for student privacy.
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