How can we truly empower young people in substance use prevention? In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, host Dave Closson sits down with Emily Hill, a dedicated Drug-Free Communities (DFC) coordinator from Minnesota, to explore how youth advisory coalitions are shaping the future of prevention.

Emily shares her journey into prevention work, the importance of youth-led listening sessions, and how engaging students directly in coalition efforts creates real change. She also dives into the challenges and strategies of navigating cannabis legalization and shifting community norms around substance use.

Whether you're a prevention professional, coalition leader, educator, or simply passionate about youth engagement, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Emily accidentally discovered her passion for prevention and turned it into a career

✔️ The role of Youth Advisory Coalitions in empowering young people to lead prevention efforts

✔️ How to successfully engage schools and build coalitions across multiple districts

✔️ Strategies for navigating cannabis legalization and changing community norms

✔️ The power of youth-led listening sessions in shaping prevention messaging

✔️ Actionable advice for professionals looking to strengthen youth engagement in prevention

Resources & Links:🔹 Follow Emily’s coalition on Instagram: @SCDrugFree🔹Youth Advisory Instagram: @scyouthadvisory

🔹DFAF Young Professional Advisory Board Instagram: @nextbestgen_dfaf 🔹 Check out prevention strategies from OneChoice: onechoiceprevention.orgJoin the Conversation!We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode:

💬 What strategies have worked in your community for youth engagement?

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Drug Free America Foundation Links:

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