Drug Prevention Power Hour: Empowering Leaders in Youth Drug Prevention

Ebony Manning is a Prevention Specialist for Trinity Behavioral Care in South Carolina and host of "The Art of Recovery" podcast. In this episode, she shares her journey from military spouse to passionate community organizer, revealing how boots-on-the-ground networking, authentic relationships, and strategic partnerships transform prevention work. Discover how she implemented Too Good for Drugs as a consequence alternative in schools and built trust that opens doors with key stakeholders.

Ebony discusses the power of showing up, asking the right questions, leveraging existing relationships, and being a genuine resource in your community.

Takeaways
Show up consistently and be boots on the ground in your community
Build authentic relationships first credibility and trust open doors
Ask the right questions to identify community needs before pitching solutions
Leverage existing relationships and key stakeholders to move initiatives forward
Don't be afraid to ask for what you need; strategic networking is smart business development
Your character and passion matter more than having all the answers
Start projects without waiting for perfect conditions "just do it"
Be accessible and available people need resources right now, not someday

Connect with Ebony Manning
Trinity Behavioral Care: https://www.trinitybehavioralcare.org/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-art-of-recovery/id1833261644

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In this episode, Trevon Norman, a Certified Prevention Specialist and Coalition Coordinator from Texas, shares his journey from youth ministry and childcare into prevention. He explains how authentic relationships, servant leadership, and empowering others can help build stronger coalitions and create lasting community impact.

Takeaways
Lead with genuine passion people invest in authentic leaders.
Give others opportunities to contribute their time, talents, and resources.
Recognize people for their individual strengths, not just their roles or organizations.
Build trust by showing up, staying connected, and investing in relationships.
Empower youth and community members with ownership to create lasting engagement.

Connect with Trevon Norman
Website: https://serenitytexas.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevon-norman-651baa45/
Consulting: https://tnconsultingservices.com/

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In this episode, Nicole Augustine shares her journey into prevention work, her innovative projects, and insights on certification and field growth. Discover how technology and strategic thinking are transforming prevention efforts.

Takeaways
Leverage AI to identify evidence-based programs quickly.
Certification enhances credibility and career growth.
Prevention field needs systemic value and recognition.
Build community and connections to sustain prevention work.
Innovate and adapt to keep prevention relevant.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemaugustine/
Website: https://rizeconsultants.com/

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Join us as Joe Tracey shares his innovative youth-led prevention programs, success stories, and insights on building sustainable school initiatives. Discover how youth empowerment and community partnerships are transforming prevention efforts.

Takeaways
Persistence is key to building school partnerships.
Youth ownership drives program success.
Real experiences create lasting impact.
Building relationships is essential for expansion.
Flexibility and trust empower youth leaders.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WayOutWestCoalition
Website: https://www.wayoutwestcoalition.org/

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Pearl shares her inspiring journey from grief to healing through dance, neuroscience, and movement. Discover how movement can process emotions, rewire the brain, and create safe spaces for authentic expression.

Takeaways
Movement helps complete emotional cycles and releases trapped energy.
Dance can be a powerful tool for healing trauma and mental health issues.
Creating safe environments encourages authentic self-expression.
Understanding the nervous system is key to designing effective healing spaces.
Leadership in social settings can influence others to feel safe and free.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelitrave
Instagram: @pearlcicci

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In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Jake White sits down with Jeff Johnston, founder of Brighton, and Dr. Richard Lopez to discuss how AI-powered journaling and reflective tools are helping students improve mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, and build stronger social connections.

They share powerful personal stories, results from Brighton’s first college pilot study, and how schools and prevention programs can use innovative tools to support students before they reach a crisis point.

If you care about youth mental health, prevention, and creating healthier communities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Website: https://www.brightn.app/

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In this episode, Greg Johnson shares his inspiring journey from addiction to sobriety, his work in spiritual and sober coaching for high achievers, and practical insights on maintaining sobriety through spiritual practices and community support.

Takeaways
Embracing all experiences, including struggles, deepens spiritual growth.
Gratitude for past hardships can diminish cravings and propels recovery.
Building a strong spiritual foundation helps withstand life's challenges.

Website: https://www.soberheart.org

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Brenda Zane shares her powerful journey through her son's substance misuse and overdose, leading to the creation of HopeStream Community. This episode offers insights into prevention, intervention, and hope for families dealing with addiction.

Takeaways
Early intervention and understanding the reasons behind substance use are crucial.
Parents should approach conversations with curiosity, not judgment.
The craft approach offers a structured, evidence-based method for family support.
HopeStream provides a private, resource-rich community for families.
Youth brain plasticity offers a window of opportunity for recovery.

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Ryan Jensen, a former medical examiner and death investigator with 16 years of experience, shares his personal journey and insights into the opioid crisis, drug prevention, and mental health. This episode explores the realities of substance abuse, effective prevention strategies, and the importance of resilience and community effort.

Takeaways
Ryan Jensen's personal journey with addiction and loss
The role of death investigations in understanding overdose
Effective strategies for youth drug prevention
The importance of mental health and resilience in prevention

Website: https://www.ryanjensenspeaks.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-jensen-001897164/

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In this episode, Chief of Police Dave Suckling shares his innovative approach to combating the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire. Discover how community engagement, destigmatizing language, and recovery programs are transforming law enforcement's role in prevention and recovery.

Takeaways
Law enforcement can play a pivotal role in overdose prevention beyond arrests.
Destigmatizing language fosters trust and improves recovery outcomes.
Community support and peer programs are crucial for sustainable recovery.
Proactive measures like Narcan distribution significantly reduce overdose deaths.
Partnerships between police and recovery organizations enhance intervention effectiveness.

For feedback, questions and new episode ideas...
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instagram.com/vive18_