Healthy People Community Stories

Youth substance use is associated with increased risk for delinquency; academic underachievement; teen pregnancy; sexually transmitted infections; perpetration of, or experience with, violence; injuries; and mental health problems. Youth, parents, and families are key sectors involved in the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Preventing or delaying substance use initiation among youth reduces later risk for substance use, substance use disorders, and overdose.  The need for prevention is vital and early intervention is critical for youth.

May 5, 2023 ODPHP Director RDML Paul Reed appeared on the latest episode of National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) “Podcast from Washington” for a discussion about Healthy People 2030’s Leading Health Indicators. RDML Reed was joined by Glenda Redeemer, MSN, Chronic Disease Prevention Division Manager at Tarrant County Public Health Department (TCPH) in Fort Worth, TX who discussed how Healthy People Leading Health Indicators inform local disease prevention and health promotion efforts. TCPH is also recognized as a Healthy People Champion.