Wednesday, August 31, 2022 the new program called Musselshell County Prevention had their first public meeting led by Community Prevention Specialist, Angelica Mozqueda. The meeting was a huge success with a large turn-out of community support.
What is Musselshell County Prevention? It is a program that is partnered with the Mental Health Center in Billings to build and sustain a healthy and safe community. Prevention is focused on substance abuse, and is defined in their flyer as "a science that creates long-term environmental change."
Angelica started in January assessing the need and evaluating data in our community for prevention need. She met with students, teachers, law enforcement, RCP and City Council to get feedback from all areas and ages of our community. What she discovered is that everyone wants to help. The first meeting was so well attended, and included people from all categories of the community. The goal, according to the flyer, is to prevent the onset of substance use and reduce the progression of substance abuse. The group will be developing an action plan and implement evidenced-based programs and monitoring progress. Angelica hopes to have a further meeting with the youth coalition sometime in early October. The youth say "Nothing about us, without us" and she wants them to be included in the formation of prevention planning.
Information from the 2021 Musselshell County Youth Risk Behavior Survey states that 54% of youth have felt so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row. 28% of youth have seriously considered attempting suicide, and 15% have actually attempted suicide. Further, 60% have used a vape product, 72% have tried alcohol, and 35% have used marijuana. Some of the keys to prevention include supportive key community leaders such as commissioners, Sheriff's office, youth probation, mayor, hospital, supportive school staff, and a concerned community. Angelica is state funded and trained in community prevention. She is a risk and protective factors expert, as well as a mother and community member. If you would like to reach out to Angelica, or have any questions regarding the program she can be reached at 951-345-8412, or you can visit the website at musselshellprevention.com.
Angelica is also the new Salvation Army Representative, and if you are aware of anyone needing help, please reach out to her.
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