Campaign helps empower teens

     The Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC), in partnership with the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition and local teens, began kicking off the “You Are More” campaign. During local focus groups, teens reported turning to substances to deal with things such as stress, anxiety, and depression. This campaign focuses on empowering youth to know they can reach out for help if they are feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of being a teenager.

     The campaign consists of three main messages that help encourage teens to overcome these very issues with a focus on resiliency skills and seeking help. During focus groups with youth, it was identified that along with using social media, youth also turned to the Internet to find guidance, but were struggling with the abundance of information not completely focused at youth their age. From these conversations, a teen webpage was developed that includes topics that teens felt are most relevant with what they are dealing with, as well as a place where teens can share personal stories that overcoming adversity and receiving support from our community members. This webpage can be found at www.asac.us/teens. Along with the webpage, messages to both parents and teens will be available on ASAC’s new Instagram account. You can follow the campaign by liking “asac_iowa.”

     For more information about the “You Are More” campaign, call Amy Doerrfeld with ASAC Prevention Services at 319-390-1884 ext. 206 or by e-mail at adoerrfeld@asac.us.