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We care about the health, safety and well-being of Orange County youth.

Our mission is to prevent underage drinking and drug use through communication, collaboration, education, policy, advocacy and youth empowerment. Our vision is for a community in which all young people can live healthy and productive lives, free from the influence of alcohol and drugs.


September is National Suicide Prevention Month

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.

Ask

Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Click here to visit our Campaign Toolkit and download our personalized Facebook and Instagram shareables.  Mention @orangepartnership in your posts.

Celebrating Family Health & Fitness

What will you do today to get your loved ones moving? 
Sport and physical activity can be effective in promoting overall wellbeing and health, including mental health; it's been shown to reduce the risk of depression and improves the cognitive functions and academic outcomes of young people and adolescents. 

How to Join the Movement to GET FIT together:

  • Share your family fitness moments using #familyhealthandfitness and/or
  • Click here to visit our Campaign Toolkit and download our personalized Facebook and Instagram shareables.
  • Mention @orangepartnership in your posts.
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    Try a New Sport!

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    Get Outdoors!

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    Maintain a Healthy Diet!

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    Walk in Nature!

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    Connect with Wildlife!

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National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW)

Help us shatter the myth that vaping is harmless for adolescents!

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A vape pod has as much or more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes.

Learn More
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How regular marijuana use impairs memory and learning in the brains of adolescents.

Learn More
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Could your child be vaping?

Identify e-cigarette and vaping products and be aware of signs of use.

Learn More

Mental Health Awareness Month

No matter how old you are, taking care of your mental health is important. 

When feelings of anxiety or depression take over, go for a walk in nature, talk to a supportive friend, listen to your favorite music, or make something with your hands. Something as simple as giving yourself - or a loved one - a hug can be just the mood booster you need. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, please call or text 988 – help is available. 

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PREVENTION CORNER

"Bridging the Gap": on the Radio

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Tune  in to our new "Bridging the Gap"  radio interviews on the first Friday of each month, on 97.9 The Hill.  Meet local partners working together to close the communication gap between parents and their children and help all young people in our community live healthy and productive lives through awareness, compassion, consideration and positive action.

  • National Suicide Prevention Month


    Check in with loved ones and offer support - as depression and anxiety may lead to feelings of hopelessness - which can increase thoughts of suicide.

    Listen Here

  • Back to School: Conversation Starters

    As kids return to the classroom, we want to prioritize their health and wellbeing by talking to them about tough topics like substance use and mental health. Kids want to hear your voice!

    Listen Here

  • Nat'l Black, Indigenous and People of Color Mental Health Month

    Listen to an impactful conversation addressing mental health myths in communities of people of color.

    Listen Here

  • Family Health & Fitness Month

    Learn more about the link between exercise and good mental health - how teens look to their parents for modeling and how it plays a protective role in preventing teen substance use.

    Listen Here
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    Mental Health Awareness Month

    In this episode, we highlght the importance of mental health in children and teens - and how to break down the stigma.

    Listen Here
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    Teen THC Usage and Effects

    Learn about the changing cannabis landscape, the current laws and regulations, how THC packaging entices our youth - and what parents should know.

    Listen Here
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    National Drug & Alcohol Fact Awareness Week

    Listen to an Orange County teen talk about what led him to experiment with vaping, and how he was able to quit. 

    Listen Here
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    National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

    Raising awareness of healthy relationships and teen dating abuse.

    Listen Here
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    National Mentoring Month

    If kids feel more connected through a mentor relationship, they are less likely to engage in substance use.

    Listen Here
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    National Impaired Driving Month

    Celebrate safely  this season and don't overconsume or overserve at your holiday gatherings.

    Listen Here
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    The Great American Smokeout

    Coalition partners discuss nicotine addiction and provide quit resources.  

    Listen Here
  • Two women standing in front of a sign that says wchl

    Red Ribbon Week

    Coalition partners discuss preventing youth substance use and the community resources that are here to help.  

    Listen Here
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    National Suicide Prevention Month

    Mental health problems affect half of all adolescents in the US.  Call or Text the 988Lifeline. 

    Listen Here

In the Community

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Our coalition joined forces with Stanback Middle School - administration, teachers, students and parents - to host a "Take Down Tobacco" Event.  We used fun kickball games, awareness activities and engaging high school Intern presentations to encourage our youth to live tobacco and drug free and consider alternative coping activities. Check out our recap video below!

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Quitting Smoking Isn't Easy.

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In 2022, more than 2.5 million middle and high school students currently used e-cigarettes. 


  • 55% of youth who vape use disposables.
  • 85% of youth who vape use flavored devices.


E-cigarettes are addictive commercial tobacco products that contain nicotine.  Dangers include harm to brain development, increase and/or worsening anxiety and depression, lung damage, and effects on attention, learning, memory and impulse control.


Orange County Residents:  Free tobacco cessation resources available - patches, gum, and lozenges.  All residents are encouraged to call the NC Quit Line @ 1-800-QUIT-NOW.  Visit OC Health Department resources:  Smoking Cessation | Orange County, NC (orangecountync.gov)


THIS IS QUITTING Resource:

The Truth Initiative's App/Texting quitting program is designed to help young people quit vaping.  Young vapers - teens and young adults - can join for free by texting DITCHVAPE to 88709. 


SMOKEfree.gov

Visit their website for tools to help you quit. Download the quitSTART app or try SmokefreeTXT by signing up online or texting QUIT to 47848.

Public Service Announcements

Our Public Service Announcements air monthly on 97.9 "The Hill" radio.  Similar to our interviews covering national prevention topics, our PSAs deliver daily tips and feature the voices of our valued coalition partners.  These messages are geared for our youth, parent and school communities.  All PSAs are archived below; links to the full prevention-focused interviews can be found here.

"Bridging the Gap" PSAs (2024/2025 Funding Year)

  • Nat'l Suicide Prevention Month


    PSAs

"Wellness Wednesday" PSA's (2023/2024 Funding Year)

  • Back to School Tips


    PSAs

  • BIPOC Mental Health Awareness

    PSAs

  • Family Health & Fitness Awareness


    PSAs

  • Mental Health Awareness Month


    PSAs

  • Effects of THC Usage in Teens


    PSAs

  • NDAFW: Harms of Vaping


    PSAs

  • Teen Dating Violence Awareness


    PSAs

  • National Mentoring Month


    PSAs

  • Celebrating the Holidays Safely


    PSAs

  • Great American Smokeout


    PSAs

  • Red Ribbon Week


    PSAs

  • Suicide Prevention Awareness


    PSAs


The home is the number one place youth access alcohol.

It’s important to monitor and secure alcohol in the home.


Learn how to make your home a safe one at Talk it Up. Lock it Up.

Request a lock to secure and monitor your alcohol in your home:

Request a Lock
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Our Calendar

October 2024

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10am SAFE Kids NC Meeting

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2pm OP & OCS Monthly Meeting

7pm Responsible Alcohol Seller and Server Training

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9am Orange Partnership Coalition Meeting

9am ASIST Suicide Intervention Training

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