Funding Supports Creation of ‘a Culture of Upstream Prevention’ in Lanark County

Press Release – South East Health Unit

Planet Youth Lanark County (PYLC), Open Doors for Lanark Children & Youth and the Lanark County Youth Centre Coalition are pleased to announce that they are “creating a culture of upstream prevention” to reduce youth substance use-related harms.

Financial support from provincial, federal and private funding sources is enabling development and implementation of upstream prevention action plans. This strengthens ongoing collaboration with organizations like the Upper Canada District School Board and the South East Health Unit (formerly the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit).

"This initiative isn’t just about reducing harms,” says Sharon Ruth, Executive Director, Carleton Place Youth Centre, “it’s about fostering a generation of healthier, more empowered young people in our community.”  

Detailed planning is underway to share results of the 2022 and 2024, grade 10 student surveys and insights from PYLC’s youth advisory committee (ACHIEVE). Among many identified risks, insufficient youth sleep (66% sleep < 8 hours/night) is a significant risk factor in Lanark County. A partnership with the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium is supporting developing action plans to improve youth sleep health.  Further details on this initiative will be released in the near future.

A March 31 public meeting will explore opportunities for family, school and community collaboration that strengthens youth resilience. ACHIEVE will open the meeting by providing a youth perspective on priorities for this collaboration. Michael Ungar, PhD, the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience will provide a keynote address at the meeting. Dr Ungar is also conducting multiple workshops on resilience on March 31 and April 1.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Lanark County’s youth centres in our upstream work to prevent youth substance use,” says David Somppi, Chair of the Planet Youth Lanark County Steering Committee. “Their leadership has already made a significant and positive impact.”

More information and survey results are available at www.planetyouthlanark.ca.