#NahImGood is HYPE's second annual positive norming campaign, committed to promoting healthy norms and supporting youth in Hancock County 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 a peer.
Hancock County has a fun-loving beach culture where some kind 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! #NahImGood

#NahImGood paves the way towards a brighter, healthier future for local youth

It's not a big deal to say no thanks
Not everyone is doing it - and there's no stress in saying no
There are fun alternatives available 
​Students aren't missing out. Hangouts are attended by like-minded peers and offer a positive way to make a difference
Local community members support our youth 
​The Hancock Community Coalition and several local businesses support youth leading healthy, drug-free lives
Steve Barney, Executive Director of The Arts, Hancock County and Director of the Bay St. Louis Creative Arts Center has been an incredible partner of Hancock Youth for Positive Efforts! He has attended every HYPE Hangout throughout the 2020-21 school year and guided the youth in putting some creativity and color out into the community. This partnership has been instrumental in showing youth that their are leaders in the community who support and celebrate their efforts to affect positive change while embracing a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle!

HYPE HANGOUT III: Planting the Seeds of Prevention 

HYPE Hangout III was held on March 6th, 2021, as the kickoff for #NahImGood. HYPE members spent their Saturday giving back to the Hancock County community and setting a positive example of substance-free living at Ruth's Roots!

HYPE MEETING @ Cuz's: Come Get the Scoop!

11 members of Hancock Youth for Positive Efforts stopped by Cuz's Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill
on April 7th to “get the scoop” about the next HYPE Hangout! Thank you so much to Cuz’s for providing soft drinks and ice cream! A special thank you to Jeremy Burke - Waveland Alderman Ward 1 for a great talk on the impact these youth are making in our community, and an invitation to visit Waveland next! #NahImGood
Thank you so much to Bryan Taylor for sponsoring this project! It’s amazing for these youth to see community members in their corner, and we are always grateful for extra support.

Stepping Stones Project:
​Pathway to Prevention

 Several HYPE members met at The Arts, Hancock County, MS for a few hours each evening during the week to paint their stones. Their creations will be featured at the Waveland Town Green as part of our next Hangout.

​These youth are paving the way to brighter, healthier futures by choosing to live drug and alcohol free while also giving back to the Hancock County community #NahImGood