Leaders inform youth about the dangers of drugs

Stopping the opioid crisis in California has been at the forefront of state leaders. The fentanyl epidemic has affected people directly and indirectly, and leaders are informing the youth of the dangers of drugs. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, spoke to the members of Keystone and Leaders in Training at the Boys and Girls Club in Newhall on Monday about how he secured funding to implement an opioid and substance abuse prevention initiative in their program.
Matt Nelson, CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club, and Jay Duke, CEO of the Antelope Valley Boys and Girls Club, proposed this initiative to Garcia to address the opioid epidemic facing today’s youth.
“We’re chasing a lot of money to help this program grow and to help this program protect you guys from some dangerous stuff out there,” said Garcia to the club members.
He added that this topic is critical to discuss in the community and was proud they would be the youth to make a difference. Garcia secured $1.68 million in federal Community Project Funding for the initiative.
“This (funding) will help us provide trauma-informed practices and training for our staff, ensuring that it is integrated into our programs,” said Nelson. “We can offer small group programs, support programs that teach and give kids the right help and social-emotional skills to be able to cope with things that may lead to substance abuse.” Nelson believes the club is the best way to reach the youth as they host about 5,600 members between the ages of 4 and 18 years old.
“There’s no doubt it’s going to save a life. It’s just a matter of how many lives it saves,” said Garcia.