Health symposium aims to prevent youth substance use in Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) - Montage Health's youth substance use symposium will present the risks of youth substance use and how to prevent it on May 15.

The Ohana program's hybrid Youth Substance Use Symposium will allow students and others to hear from public health experts in person or online.

Presentations from high school drug prevention clubs will highlight their prevention projects alongside a live demonstration of how to use naloxone to prevent overdoses.

The event was funded by the National Drug Control Policy's Drug-Free Communities program to help reduce the number of youth substance use.

“It’s a celebration of youth leadership and a powerful reminder that young people are not just impacted by substance use—they are key to driving change. Their voices, creativity, and commitment to prevention are the heartbeat of this coalition," Assistant Director of Community Health and Prevention Krista Reuther said.

The symposium will run from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 15 at Ohana on 6 Lower Ragsdale Drive in Monterey. Limited in-person space is available to RSVP.