What: Teen Town Hall: Prevention before Intervention panel discussion and Q&A session about substance abuse prevention. As part of the “Prevention Before Intervention” campaign, 4-H youth leaders of Wakulla County are hosting a panel of experts including representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Florida Department of Corrections, Army National Guard, Wakulla County Sheriff’ Office among others. Youth ages 11 – 18 are invited to attend.
Where: Wakulla County Extension Office, 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, Fl 32327
When: 4 – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026
Cost: Free for youth to attend.
Media RSVP contact: Rachel Pienta, (850) 926-3931, r.pienta@ufl.edu
About: Wakulla County 4‑H youth are taking a leadership role in substance abuse prevention by creating opportunities for teens to talk openly and honestly with their peers about drugs and alcohol through the Prevention Before Intervention campaign.
Rather than relying only on adult warnings, youth developed a peer‑led forum called a Teen Town Hall where teens learn from professionals and then talk through what they are seeing and experiencing with others their age. That idea helped shape how the event was designed.
“We decided that we could do the Teen Town Hall so that kids could talk with other kids about drug and substance abuse because it can be a little intimidating talking with adults,” said Emily Zak, 4-H youth lead for Prevention Before Intervention. “We’re excited and honored to host these experts in this kind of forum.”
The Teen Town Hall gives experts an opportunity to engage directly with youth and share information about substance abuse prevention.
“The expert panel really helps kids to be informed of the facts within a safe space,” said Zak.
The program grew out of students noticing substance use being discussed more frequently among their peers and wanting to address it early.
“Youth around the world witness these drug and substance abuse problems through everyday interactions like seeing smoke and vape shops or experiencing targeted advertising,” said Zak. “When we notice these things happening it’s really concerning, especially here in Wakulla County where, according to a 2022 survey, our average alcohol and marijuana use doubles the state average.”
Prevention Before Intervention reflects a growing belief that prevention works best when young people are part of the solution. At its core, the effort is about empowering youth.
“Prevention is important,” said Zak. “We need to know the right facts and information from the right people before decisions we make end up affecting the rest of our lives because substance abuse is a life-altering path.”
Following the discussion and Q&A session, dinner will be served, and youth are invited to attend the Safe Space Dance: The Sunset Social, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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