Independence Health and Animal Services (IHAS), in partnership with the Independence School District (ISD) and Fort Osage School District (FOSD), is spearheading a comprehensive substance use prevention program targeting youth and families within the community. Recognizing the critical need to address the rising substance use and mental health challenges faced by young people, IHAS offers tailored prevention education and community engagement activities designed to empower parents, guardians, and students alike.

Parent & Guardian Education

Both ISD and FOSD support IHAS in delivering substance use prevention classes specifically designed for parents and guardians. These sessions provide vital information about substance use risks, signs of use, and prevention strategies. By educating caregivers, the program strengthens the family unit’s ability to support youth and intervene early if challenges arise. These classes also foster open communication about substance use, mental health, and wellness in a supportive, non-judgmental setting.

Community Engagement & Awareness

IHAS actively participates in upcoming community events organized by both school districts, providing attendees with health information and resources to prevent substance use and promote overall well-being. These events serve as opportunities to connect directly with families and community members, raising awareness about the dangers of substance use and available support services.

Youth Empowerment Through Creative Expression

In collaboration with FOSD, IHAS is facilitating a unique billboard design contest for middle and high school students. This competition encourages young people to creatively express their understanding of substance use prevention. Winning designs will be prominently displayed on billboards throughout Independence for at least two months, amplifying youth voices in the community’s fight against substance use.

'How Full Is Your Cup?' Campaign

To address the emotional and social factors contributing to substance use, IHAS implements the “How Full is Your Cup?” campaign in middle and high schools within both ISD and FOSD. This initiative helps students reflect on their emotional well-being and learn coping skills to manage stress and peer pressure. By focusing on mental health alongside substance use prevention, the campaign fosters resilience and healthy decision-making among youth.

The Growing Challenge Of Substance Use & Mental Health

Missouri faces a critical public health crisis related to drug overdoses, which have escalated over the past decade. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS) identifies drug overdose as the leading cause of death among adults aged 18 to 44 in the state. Jackson County, home to Independence and the surrounding districts, has witnessed alarming rates of overdose deaths, with children under 15 accounting for one in five of these tragic fatalities.

In 2021 alone, Jackson County experienced 248 drug overdoses, half involving opioids. Fentanyl, a powerful and inexpensive synthetic opioid, is often clandestinely mixed into other drugs, increasing overdose risk for unsuspecting users. Many individuals unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced substances, leading to fatal consequences.

Substance use and mental health are closely linked. Individuals with mental illness are more likely to develop substance use disorders, creating a complex cycle that demands integrated prevention and intervention efforts.

Alarming Youth Suicide Trends

Mental health challenges among youth in Independence have reached concerning levels. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 14 and the third leading cause for those aged 15 to 24 nationwide.

Independence’s youth suicide rate is notably higher than that of Eastern Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri, and the nation as a whole. From 2009 to 2020, suicide rates nearly doubled for young people under age 19 in Independence. Hospitalizations for self-inflicted injuries among youth aged 19 and younger totaled 116 between 2005 and 2015, with 17 youth deaths attributed to self-inflicted injuries from 2009 to 2019.

These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for prevention programs that address not only substance use but also the broader mental health challenges faced by youth.

Holistic Approach To Prevention & Wellness

The substance use prevention initiative led by IHAS combines education, community involvement, and youth empowerment with a focus on mental and emotional health. By engaging parents and guardians through informative classes, reaching the broader community at events, and inspiring youth participation through creative contests and campaigns, the program works to build a community-wide support system.

This holistic strategy recognizes that preventing substance use requires more than simply warning of dangers; it involves equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to build resilience, seek help when needed, and foster healthy environments both at home and in school.

Measuring Success & Community Impact

IHAS, ISD, and FOSD will monitor the effectiveness of their prevention efforts through ongoing feedback and data collection. Success indicators include increased attendance at parent education classes, active participation in community events, engagement with the “How Full is Your Cup?” campaign, and positive shifts in student attitudes toward substance use and mental health.

By addressing the epidemic of substance use and mental health challenges early and comprehensively, the program aims to reduce drug-related deaths and improve the well-being and futures of Independence’s youth.

Independence Health and Animal Services, alongside its school district partners, is committed to safeguarding the health of the community’s young people and families through informed prevention, support, and engagement. Together, they strive to create a safer, healthier Independence where youth can thrive free from the dangers of substance misuse and mental health crises.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.