ahImGood is Hancock Youth for Positive Efforts (HYPE)’s second annual positive norming campaign, committed to promoting healthy norms and supporting Hancock County youth in choosing to live substance-free!
 
Social norms don’t evolve overnight. When asked how they refuse an offer from a friend or classmate, the response from many of our members was a variation of “If I didn’t want whatever it was I’d just be like nah, I’m good.” This laidback, casual dismissal is an understated yet effective approach to avoid drinking or drug use without feeling awkward or alienated from peers.
 
The key messages of the #NahImGood campaign focus on the facts: it’s not a big deal to say no thanks (not everyone is doing it), there are fun alternatives available (like HYPE meetings and HYPE Hangouts!), and there are local community members who support youth in living drug and alcohol free. HYPE has several sponsors (Papa John’s, Kelly Cannon with State Farm Insurance, Claiborne Hill of Waveland, educators from every school district, law enforcement, and more!) across Hancock County who believe that young people have a lot to offer and make an effort to encourage their potential. It’s important for our youth to know and see that not only are their fellow HYPE members and peers in their corner, but parents and professionals who are also committed to supporting their choice to live drug and alcohol free lives.
 
Hancock County has a fun-loving beach culture where some type of celebration is always underway, and spring offers a lot of opportunity for youth to drink or use other substances: spring break, prom, graduation, festivals, and a coastal summer lifestyle in general. By launching this campaign from early spring through early summer, it will remind our community that there are other ways to unwind and have a good time in addition to the importance of keeping youth active, engaged, and substance-free!
 
The campaign will be highlighted by billboards, HYPE Hangouts, a Communities Talk event, and other celebrations of Hancock County youth working to affect positive change and establish a healthy, substance-free path towards bright futures.
 
For more information on HYPE and #NahImGood, contact Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator at 228-463-8887 or hype@hancockhrc.org.

National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day, held on the third Friday of every April, was created to raise awareness and support prevention efforts to keep youth safe and drug-free. In celebration of this annual observance, Hancock Youth for Positive Efforts (HYPE) designed and distributed special bags to local pharmacies that featured the message “Keep Our Kids Above the Influence.” Drop off locations in Hancock County are also listed for unused or expired prescription medications.
 
These bags were delivered to Waveland Pharmacy, Diamondhead Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Mid-Town Pharmacy by Cathy Pitalo, Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator, Sonya Miller, Chairman of the Hancock Community Coalition and Prevention Specialist at Pinebelt Mental Health, and Colby DiMento, Outreach Coordinator at the Hancock Resource Center.
 
LockMed Lockbags, provided by Pine Belt Mental Health, will also be handed out by pharmacists alongside the prescription bags throughout the week of April 12th – 16th, encouraging patients to be mindful of how they store and dispose of their medicines, particularly if using narcotics.
 
HYPE is an adult-guided, youth-led initiative that empowers middle and high school students to lead engaged, healthy, and positive lifestyles. Originally funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and now overseen by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), HYPE operates with the guidance of the Hancock Community Coalition in partnership with Hancock Resource Center.
 
HYPE enlists the help of students from all local middle and high schools in Hancock County to create positive change in their communities and give back through service opportunities known as HYPE Hangouts. HYPE members set positive, healthy examples for their peers in choosing to live drug and alcohol free as well as participate in activities that show courage and commitment to building fulfilling futures.
 
For information on joining the Hancock Community Coalition or involving students in Hancock Youth for Positive Efforts, please contact Cathy Pitalo at 228-463-8887 or cpitalo@hancockhrc.org.