Musselshell County Prevention Update

In a recent meeting with Angelica Mozqueda, the prevention specialist for Musselshell and Golden County, we were updated on what the Prevention is for, and what it is doing.

Prevention came about during the time of COVID, in 2020. The state of Montana recognized that the youth are struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Angie explains that at the time of COVID, the state had only three prevention specialists for the entire state of Montana, covering only the major urban areas. After COVID, the state recognized that there is a need for a prevention specialist in every county statewide. They developed the position a year ago, and Angie is the specialist for Musselshell and Golden County, but part of a regional team that is covering about seven of the surrounding counties including Yellowstone County.

Every year our students take a survey, a PNA (prevention needs assessment one year), and YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) the next year alternating between the two. The surveys are anonymous, and the schools can opt in or out of having the students do the surveys. The YRBS gives information about what the students are doing, and the PNA gives information about why they are doing it.

The data collected was alarming. Musselshell County leads the numbers in every category of Mental health needs and Substance abuse, including higher numbers than Yellowstone County. Of our local youth, 54% have felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks, 28% have seriously considered suicide, 15% have attempted suicide. Further, 60% have used a vape product, 72% have tried alcohol, 35% have used marijuana.

The prevention program is "meeting the community with where we are". Angie explains that this may not look the same for Golden Valley or Melstone as it does for Roundup, because each area is a bit different with needs. She is meeting with the sheriff, teachers, commissioners, youth probation, mayor, parents, and students to inquire what they need to help prevent students from using drugs or help their mental health. What Angie has found by meeting with so many different groups, is that there are many great things going on, but the puzzle pieces are spread out and the key is to bring the puzzle together so that we can all work towards the common goal, which is to decrease stimulant abuses, and increase positive mental health. She further explains that this doesn't happen overnight, but figuring out what programs we need to put in place for our community that is going to be effective, is cost effective, and realistic for people to participate in.

Angie is working to bring attention to suicide prevention, and she is bringing a community presentation to the High School about drug prevention. Stacy Zinn a former DEA undercover agent is returning for her second presentation to Roundup on February 1, at 1pm at the High School, it will be open to the public to attend. Stacy provides solid statistics and information that is helpful for the entire community to have awareness, and all are encouraged to come.

Musselshell County Prevention will be meeting at the end of January to begin more plans for events. They hope to be working towards an event every other month through the rest of the year, and to keep in touch with the youth coalition groups to collect their input. Musselshell Media will also be collaborating with Musselshell County Prevention for an upcoming event to be announced later.

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Musselshell County Prevention, simply like and follow their Facebook page, or email Angie at [email protected], or text at 951-345-8412.