Planet Youth is an upstream prevention approach focusing on changing the environment by reducing the risk factors and strengthening the protective factors. Planet Youth is not a program—it’s an approach that uses localized data to identify, mobilize and develop local resources and community-driven solutions that promote positive social and environmental changes for long-term, sustainable transformation of substance use rates.

On October 12, 2023 the Community Action Network hosted a youth substance prevention forum open to the Elgin and St. Thomas community to learn more about Planet Youth and how to build a brighter future for youth. Youth, caregivers, teachers, doctors, and concerned community members gathered together to discuss and explore the model.

To learn more about Planet Youth and to access a recording of the forum visit Southwestern Public Health’s Community Substance Use Prevention webpage.