News Detail

Commissioners Highlight Educating Youth During National Prevention Week

Commissioners

May 15, 2025

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst, WellSpan Health community health worker Blanca Nizama, Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County Executive Director Karen Johnston, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Program Prevention Specialist Katelyn Becker, Chambersburg Cares Coalition Coordinator Lynn St. Clair, Salvation Army Major Christopher Mauk, and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 12-18, 2025, to be National Prevention Week in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are highlighting the importance of public education and awareness as well as community involvement and sharing of resources as critical elements to preventing substance use and promoting mental health to protect youth.

Data shows that individuals who delay substance use until adulthood are significantly less likely to misuse drugs or alcohol later in life. Thanks to consistent, community-wide efforts by the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Program and partner organizations, evidence-based prevention efforts are making a difference locally.

According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey, from 2021 to 2023, among 12th-grade students in Franklin County:

alcohol use decreased from 31% to 20%;

marijuana use dropped from 15% to 9%; and

vaping declined from 25% to 16%

Franklin County young people are participating in evidence-based prevention programs, including those facilitated through Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County. In 2024:

over 2,300 students took part in the Too Good For Drugs K-12 education program;

more than 300 girls engaged in the Go Girls Go! initiative designed to improve the health and well-being of girls in fourth-sixth grade;

66 students were screened through the Student Assistance Program (SAP), which helps identify and overcome learning barriers such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs and mental health issues; 184 participated in SAP support groups

Staff from the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Program actively partner with schools and community agencies to educate the public and build awareness. In 2024, staff took part in 26 events, distributing prevention materials and connecting individuals and families with valuable information and behavioral health resources. Efforts like these demonstrate the community’s strong commitment to early identification and support in preventing substance use.

“Substance misuse is not unique to Franklin County; it’s something that affects communities across the country – but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “By working together, we have an opportunity to aid individuals receive the help they need while also working to prevent the next generation from developing substance use disorders.”

By recognizing National Prevention Week, Franklin County joins communities across the U.S. in raising public awareness of and support for prevention efforts as well as the importance of creating a healthy future for today’s youth.

Franklin County residents can find support and resources by contacting the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol program at 717-263-1256 or ffda@frankincountypa.gov. Information is also available on the Franklin County website at www.franklincountypa.gov/departments/drug-and-alcohol.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call 1-800-662-4357 or text 717-216-0905.