AC4C's Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Day on the Hill was a great success with approximately 175 youth and adults attending from across the state.  The day started with the youth training in the Jessie Parker building.  Meagen Wentz, Jen Stolka, Lorelle Mueting and Gretchen Bayer provided the youth with education on underage drinking and youth marijuana use and evidence-based strategies to address these issues.  Youth also received information about how the legislative process works and how to talk to their legislators. 

The group had a press conference in the Rotunda that was primarily about how youth marijuana use affects youth. Peter Komendowski emceed the press conference and hosted youth and adult speakers.  The speakers shared a variety of perspectives relating to substance use.  Jamie Stromer spoke about his recovery from addiction that started with his marijuana use as a youth.  Cleo Sullivan, youth speaker from Monticello High School, shared the struggles of having friends who have changed as a result  of using marijuana. Jennifer Sleiter, MSN ARNP from Blank Children's Hospital, spoke regarding her work with children who have accidentally ingested their parents' marijuana edibles, with children whose mothers used marijuana while carrying them in utero, and teenagers who are using marijuana.  Deputy Sheriff and Drug Recognition Expert, Tim Smith from Jones County, also spoke about his experience with drugged drivers.  AC4C member  Lorelle Mueting concluded the conference encouraging the group as they rallied for the day. 

A few legislators also addressed the youth briefly, including Representative Andy McKean, Senator Rob Hogg, and Representative Walt Roger, praising the group for their work on youth substance abuse prevention.

Following the press conference, the individual coalition's groups moved up to the House and Senate Chambers with the legislators for pictures, discussed issues and what it is like to be a legislator.  It was an amazing day and the youth all expressed how much they enjoyed the opportunity to experience it!