BY DEBBIE PAGE
The Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell is continuing its efforts to prevent prescription medications from falling into the wrong hands.
During the nonprofit’s June meeting, Program Coordinator Kristin Blumenstein announced that DACI has given out 828 lockboxes and 471 medication disposal kits so far this year. Nearly 45 percent of the people who misuse prescription medications get them from family and friends.
The group also is developing teen and parent cards to distribute at high school football games and other venues frequented by youths to pledge to abstain from alcohol use, to not drive or let others drive after drinking, and to call for help if in an uncomfortable situation.
DACI will also share facts and data about underage drinking and the effects of alcohol on the adolescent brain, conversation starters for parents, and how to create an exit plan with their teens if they get in difficult situations.
Blumenstein suggested “Talk It Out NC” (https://www.talkitoutnc.org) as a great resource for parents and teens.
The group is also developing a “sticker shock” campaign for cups used by cooperating vendors in the social districts in Statesville and Mooresville, reminding folks about the dangers of drinking and driving, underage use, and perhaps a QR code for helpful resources.
DACI also hopes to enlist local alcohol sales outlets to add the stickers to the alcohol products or to carry bags to educate the community as well.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AND RISKY BEHAVIORS
Blumenstein also shared research about youth mental health and barriers to treatment from DACI intern Amy Lei, who learned that 50 percent of lifetime mental illness issues start by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suicide Is the second leading cause of death for teens. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control noted that more than one in five of students had seriously considered suicide, with one in 10 attempting suicide.
Mental health problems in youth often lead to other health and behavioral risks, including increased risk of drug use, violent acts, and engagement in higher risk sexual behaviors that could result in HIV, other STDs, and unplanned pregnancy (CDC).
Lei’s research thesis proposed that if youth are provided with educational resources and exposure to narratives on mental health while having access to peer-focused support networks, they will more likely feel empowered to reach out for assistance and advocate against stigma.
Her research aimed to understand the current state of the mental health and well-being of youth in a suburban high school setting and to identify barriers to getting help from the students’ perspectives. Lei also sought ways to implement corresponding interventions and to develop early detection methods to help prevent of mental health issues.
Lei gleaned her information from two comparative youth surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 and focus group discussions. She also developed a mental health literacy lesson for teens and utilized community partnerships through DACI.
The surveys and focus groups revealed teen issues with sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress, depression, insecurities, peer pressure, and feelings of low self-worth. Bullying was also identified as a significant issue.
Lei found that teens in surveys or focus groups feel a stigma surrounding mental health issues, with students fearing judgment and peer pressure if they speak of their feelings or seek help.
The large majority of students responded that they would keep issues with friends, mental or physical health, family issues, bullying, grief, and unexpected life changes to themselves rather than seeking help from others to deal with these problems. About half would seek help with dating, academic, or substance use issues.
Barriers to mental health access included financial limitations, fear of judgment and peer pressure (stigma), obtaining parental consent, negative parental attitudes toward seeking mental health assistance, locating treatment resources, and cultural taboos.
Lei reported that students found schools’ mental health support systems lacking, saying advisory lessons were repetitive with limited engagement and taught by unqualified instructors in large classes. The lack of a sufficient number of guidance counselors was also an issue. Students also believed schools need to create better student awareness of mental health assistance options.
STATESVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY
Statesville Housing Authority Resident Services Senior Program Coordinator Tommacena Douglas also talked about the organization’s services to provide clean and safe housing, whether apartments or single-family homes, to improve the quality of life for low-income people.
Douglas said that honorably discharged veterans, families, and elderly and disabled people are first in housing priority, followed by those displaced by another government agency. Applicants must meet income eligibility, landlord references, and a credit and criminal background check. All residents must re-certify their income annually.
The agency also helps residents prepare to purchase their own home through the ISCEC program.
They also offer housing counseling services including self-sufficiency, budgeting, building credit, homebuyer education, pre-purchase, post-purchase, mortgage delinquency, default, foreclosure prevention, and predatory lending awareness.
SHA also offers senior residents access to daily hot meals, community center amenities, exercise opportunities, social activities, and field trips.
Douglas said the recent opening of the skate park and SHA block party were big successes.
NEXT MEETING
The next DACI meeting is Monday, August 19, at 12 noon at the Iredell County Cooperative Extension facility at 444 Bristol Drive in Statesville. Contact Blumenstein at kristin@daciredell.com for more information.