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Substance use remains a significant concern in Ontario and worldwide, with students in rural areas like Norfolk and Haldimand Counties facing challenges. Due to limited local data, rural health units rely on provincial statistics. Lina Hassen a Health Promotor with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) explains the most common substance used among students according to the 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey.
The HNHU has been awarded a grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada to implement the Icelandic Prevention Model, for youth substance use prevention. Josh Daly of the HNHU gives background on the program and it’s success.
The model is now more commonly referred to as Planet Youth, and it is gaining traction in Canada. Daly explains one key differences in this approach is that it sees society as the patient. So, instead of giving the individual information or programming to try to influence their decisions around substance use, it takes a step back to look at what are some of the factors that put students at risk.
It’s a shift in the way we think about prevention. It’s looking at creating opportunities for youth to have a supportive people in their life and also having an outlet, whether that is social or recreational activities available to them. Daly expands on this.
Planet Youth collects local data from students in the community every two years, which is valuable and useful. This data guides what is working and help create approaches to change the environment that our youth are growing up in. Hassen explains that Planet Youth is not an overnight change.
Changing the environment of a community is clearly a big challenge. Daly really summed things up nicely with a plant analogy.
Community engagement is key to the success of this model. A forum for community partners and stakeholders will be held on November 18th in Jarvis, where attendees can learn more about the Planet Youth approach.
To learn more or attend, contact HNHU at 519-426-6170
Written by Jeremy Hall