Founded over 50 years ago, the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute (CGTI) offers students in grades 7-12 an opportunity to engage in leadership development and substance use prevention through its conferences held annually in July and January. The week-long CGTI Conference and the weekend-long Mid-Year Conference provide a platform for youth to enhance their leadership skills, explore topics related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, mental health, and inclusivity, while collaborating with peers from across the state. Participants also engage in action planning to identify and address needs within their communities, utilizing the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework to create impactful, evidence-based initiatives.

https://cg-ti.org

Operation Snowball is a youth-led initiative aimed at empowering young people to make positive choices and reduce substance abuse. To get involved, individuals can start by participating in local Snowball events or workshops, which often focus on leadership development and peer support. Volunteering as a mentor or facilitator for these programs can also help foster a supportive community. Additionally, joining or forming a Snowball team at schools or a youth community group can amplify efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among peers.

https://operationsnowballinc.org

Getting involved with Focus Youth Gambling Prevention is a meaningful way for students to contribute to their communities while developing essential skills in advocacy, leadership, and public speaking. As part of a statewide initiative, Focus offers a variety of engaging programming opportunities, including the PhotoVoice Project, Alternative PhotoVoice Project, Messaging Campaign, Gift Responsibly Campaign, and Problem Gambling Awareness Month Campaign. These initiatives empower youth leaders to express their perspectives and amplify their voices in the conversation around gambling, which is often normalized and overlooked in many communities. By participating in Focus, students can gain a deeper understanding of this pressing issue and play a pivotal role in youth gambling prevention efforts.

https://focusyouthgamblingprevention.org

Helps normalize discussions about mental health, reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help. Creating a more effective and supportive environment for individuals seeking help, ultimately leading to healthier communities.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline

• https://mentalhealthhotline.org/illinois/

• https://www.crisistextline.org/

• https://lgbthotline.org/

The IYS is a self-report survey administered in school settings and is designed to gather information about a variety of health and social indicators including substance use and perceptions, bullying, school climate, nutrition, and physical activity.

https://iys.cprd.illinois.edu/

Narcan and poison control resources not only save lives but also enhance community awareness, support individuals in crisis, and promote a comprehensive approach to substance use prevention.

If someone is experiencing an overdose, is unconscious, or is having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

• https://www.illinoispoisoncenter.org

• https://hopedupage.org/183/Illinois-Opioid-Helpline

• https://hub.helplineil.org/spa_result/incident_id/11ace4e6-f355-423a-ad8e-ae9d9f52bca1

At the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH), our members are dedicated to ensuring that every Illinois resident has access to essential services for preventing, treating, and recovering from substance use disorders and mental illness, regardless of their financial situation. Our members are at the forefront of substance treatment, prevention, and mental health promotion, driven by a shared mission to empower individuals to lead healthy lives free from the burdens of substance use disorders and mental illness. Click here to see a pin map of our members: https://ilabh.org/member-agencies

Use this resource to find where to safely drop off your unwanted medicine in Illinois.

https://medtakebackillinois.org