Substance Misuse Prevention

Risky youth behaviors are often the start of a lifelong battle with substance misuse. We aim to connect with youth before bad habits or addictions are formed, such as vaping or alcohol use. We want to empower youth to resist the pressures around them, to make healthy choices for their future. 

Together for Jackson County Kids

Jackson County Public Health provides leadership for the Together For Jackson County Kids Coalition, a community-wide partnership of youth-serving organizations that are committed to enhancing community wellness by promoting positive values and choices.

A main focus of the coalition is youth substance use prevention. Learn more about Together For Jackson County Kids here: www.together4jckids.org or on the Together For Jackson County Kids Facebook page.

Catch My Breath Vaping Prevention

Jackson County Public Health partners with local schools to deliver the CATCH® My Breath program to students. The CATCH® My Breath is the only evidence-based youth nicotine prevention program designed for grades 5-12 that has been proven to reduce students’ likelihood of vaping.

The CATCH® My Breath Program empowers students with the knowledge and the skills needed to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist the social pressure to vape.

CATCH My Breath In Action

Opioid Use Prevention

Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic began over 20 years ago but is still impacting lives to this day. Opioids are a class of drug that is used to alleviate pain and can produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. Opioids are used in many ways including those both medical and nonmedical. Opioids include prescription pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin. Opioids are risky because they are highly addictive. You can help the people in your life understand the risk of opioid use by understanding the facts about opioids yourself.

To learn more about opioids and how to talk to your friends and family about them, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm .

An important part of substance misuse prevention involves safe disposal of an unused or expired medications. Drug Take Back Day Events are twice each year, once in April and again in October. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department puts these events on. If you miss or can’t make it to these events, you can safely dispose of your medications at a permanent drug drop box.

Find a permanent drug drop box near you: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/safe-disposal.htm.

More Resources

  • Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. We build it in ourselves, our relationships, and in our communities. It gives us the strength to overcome problems. Learn more about Resilient Wisconsin here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient/index.htm.

  • Underage drinking is a real problem in Wisconsin, and it starts earlier and can be more dangerous than you might think. But you can make a real difference by having small, casual conversations with kids. Learn more about Small Talks here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm.

  • Electronic cigarettes, little cigars, smokeless products, sweet candy flavors, and new products designed to hide in plain sight. The next generation of dangerous and deceptive tobacco products is here and doesn’t look anything like a pack of cigarettes. Learn more about Tobacco Is Changing here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging/index.htm.

  • Connecting people through meaningful conversations is one way we can reduce and prevent substance use in Wisconsin. Real Talks Wisconsin gives you the information and tools you need to have frequent conversations about substance use. Learn more about Real Talks Wisconsin here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm.

  • Opioids are powerful drugs. Prescription pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin hurt Wisconsin residents every day. More people die of opioid overdoses in Wisconsin each year than car crashes. But there is something more powerful than opioids: All of Us. Together we can reduce the dangers of opioids and their impact on our communities. Learn more about Dose of Reality here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm.