The Marin Prevention Network is a collaboration of community coalitions, organizations and individuals actively seeking to change norms, policies, and laws that affect the availability, promotion, sale, and use of alcohol and other drugs. Our hope and goal is to create a supportive and healthy environment for all youth in Marin County.
Upcoming Events
Let’s Talk Discussion: The Adolescent Brain
In the second community discussion in the 2023-24 series, our presenting speaker, Dr. Aran Watson, will share his expertise in adolescent development, emphasizing the unique strengths and challenges. He will...
Marin Prevention Network General Membership Meeting
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83830004118 Meeting ID: 838 3000 4118 One tap mobile+16694449171,,83830004118# US+16699009128,,83830004118# US (San Jose)
Get your digital Let’s Talk Booklet
Did you know that Marin youth report using alcohol and drugs at 2x the state average*?
The Let’s Talk booklets are packet with scientific data, tips on how to talk to our kids, and actions we can all take to address our local 2x problem.
(*based on California Healthy Kids Survey Data)
Take a look of a few of the countywide initiatives we are working on with our partners across Marin:
Community Prevention Resources
School Communication Toolkit
The purpose of the toolkit is to provide schools K – 12 with communication to send out to parents and faculty about subjects related to substance use including root causes and protective factors. The School Communication Toolkit is a compilation of resources including letters, facts, and data for schools to use and customize for your needs. The toolkit is accessible to all schools in Marin County and is sorted by subject matter.
Let’s Talk Booklet
Check out the brand-new Let’s Talk Booklet – a comprehensive toolkit for navigating teen substance use in Marin County.
This brand-new resource includes information on how the teenage brain works, why substance use is a big deal, definitions of common substances, tips for providing support, and more!
Numb or Nourish
Pause, Reflect, Decide is a 3-step sequence that teaches how to take a moment to pause, to reflect on how we can best take care of ourselves, and to make a conscious decision.
Underage Cannabis Use
Cannabis and Vaping Education and Community Outreach
MPN has become concerned about the high rates of cannabis use among young people in Marin. A substantial body of research shows that when youth under the age of 26 use cannabis frequently or heavily for “recreational” purposes, they can experience a wide range of adverse effects, including altered brain development, impaired decision-making, poor academic performance, diminished life satisfaction, cannabis dependence and addiction, and other mental health problems.
Cannabis Decoded
Cannabis Decoded is a Youth Marijuana Education Initiative from the County of San Mateo. This initiative was launched in partnership with the San Mateo County Youth Commission to educate youth and young adults about the facts on cannabis use. This campaign aims to provide reliable, factual information so that young people have the tools they need to make informed decisions that impact their health and futures.
Underage Alcohol Use
Raising the Bar
The Raising the Bar Campaign aims to elevate kids’ experience in youth-oriented programs by changing the social norms around the consumption of alcohol and other substances. Parents, program directors, and community members work together to promote healthy choices and keep youth events substance-free.
Social Host Ordinance
All cities in Marin, as well as Marin County itself, have adopted some form of “Social Host” Ordinance. Social Host Ordinances generally provide for a violation when there are “two or more minors at a place, residence or other private property”, and “alcoholic beverages, marijuana or other controlled substances are possessed or consumed by one or more of the minors”.
Data and Evaluation
California Healthy Kids Survey – Marin County Secondary 2021-2022 Main Report (PDF)
Marin County Trends in Youth Alcohol Cannabis and Other Drug Use 2008-18 (PDF)
Trends in Youth Alcohol, Cannabis and Other Drug Use in Marin County, 2008-18 (PDF)
Marin HHS, Substance Use Services Strategic Prevention Plan 2020-2025 (PDF)
Spotlight
Read the latest articles on our spotlight blog.
Find Your Way Youth Scholarship Opportunity – Apply by Sept. 19, 2023
Find Your Way is providing youth in Marin County with $500 for October 2023 – July 2024. We are looking for youth (ages 12 – 25 years) who are already participating in community programs in Marin County, or those who are interested in volunteering or participating in community work. Applications are due on September 19th…
Public Health Advisory: Hemp Products
Background Marin County Public Health is issuing this advisory to healthcare providers regarding the increasing availability and use of hemp products that cause intoxication and adverse effects, especially in youth. Hemp is a component of the cannabis plant that is non-intoxicating in its natural form. Hemp products are therefore not regulated as cannabis products are….
California Voice: Cannabis industry is poisoning our kids just like tobacco has
By Dr Natalie Laub / republished from Marin IJ When California voters in 2016 supported the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, we did not anticipate children would become collateral damage from an improperly regulated industry that prioritizes profit over children’s health. What we now know is the marketing practices of the cannabis industry, which take…