February 2026 Newsletter

The New Not Prescribed

We are thrilled to launch our new, improved Not Prescribed educational resource. This has been a major undertaking, and we’re so grateful for the many individuals across the state who helped inform revisions including: an external adult work group of educators, counselors, and public health professionals, an external youth work group, our Statewide and Denver-based Teen Action Councils, and Design Like You Mean It, a Denver-based design firm. These folks have worked diligently alongside our team to bring this important work to life! Not Prescribed is a science-based, trauma-informed resource that educates youth about prescription drugs and how they can be informed and empowered to take action against the dangers of prescription drug misuse.

RAC’s new, Not Prescribed resource includes:

Updated content within a Canva slide deck (voice over options included)
Increased interactivity – including refusal skills practice
5 youth-informed videos
Step-by-step facilitation guide
ALL assets available in ENGLISH & SPANISH
100% FREE easy and easy digital access at https://www.riseaboveco.org/resources

Thanks for diving in and sharing this critical knowledge and skill-building with middle and high youth in your lives as well as educators, school support staff/administrators, and community-based organizations in your communities! Be on the lookout for information regarding TA and development opportunities for you to join in March and April.

The Power of Connection:

How Adults & Teens Can Navigate Substance Use Risks Together

Rise Above Colorado’s Denver Organizing Committee (DOC) proudly partnered with Denver Public Schools’ Multilingual Education Department to support the Districtwide Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting in January. The monthly DAC meetings create a welcoming space for families whose students speak a language other than English to learn how DPS supports the academic success and well-being of Multilingual Learners across the district.

DOC youth presenters co-facilitated Not Prescribed, one of RAC’s educational resources alongside select Connect Effect materials, sharing evidence-based prevention information with families. To ensure broad access and inclusion, the presentation was offered in eight languages, removing language barriers and honoring the diverse communities represented. The presentation emphasized the importance of relationships with trusted adults, open communication, and shared responsibility in substance use prevention.

This collaboration provided the opportunity for RAC to adapt content and present to a parent audience. It was an important milestone in expanding 2-Generation substance use prevention efforts!

Meet Apoorva Gundu from our Board of Directors!

What is your name and hometown?

Apoorva Gundu, Broomfield Colorado

What is at least one reason that you decided to join the RAC Board?

I was part of the Rise Above Colorado Teen Action Council that gave me the opportunity to learn and advocate for my peers to lead a substance-free lifestyle. The people I met during my time at RAC TAC helped me in ways I didn't think possible. It was a safe place to be vulnerable and connect with people I wouldn't have met otherwise.

That experience ultimately led me to study neuroscience and psychology in college and sparked my passion for community building and storytelling, which has shaped my career today.

After "graduating" from the teen action council, I stayed connected with the organization and was honored to come back for summer retreats to share my experiences with the current council. Eventually, I knew I wanted to be more involved, and I jumped at the opportunity to join as a board member.

What is something that you've accomplished recently that you are proud of?

I work in the place management and city building industry. As a Coloradan, I’m proud to have been a part of the reopening of 16th Street following three years of construction. Growing up, 16th Street Mall was the place where my family would bring our visiting friends and it was always the place to be. To see the evolution of this iconic place as 16th Street has been rewarding.

What is something that you are looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to learning a new skill that is creative and one that is practical. I want to start learning Spanish, because as a communications professional, it is a language that I need to speak, read and one day write in it. On the creative side, I'm excited to learn bead embroidery.

What is one of your favorite things about winter?

I love a December Winter because of the energy around the holidays and the lights bring me so much joy. Once we hit the new year, I'm all about staying cozy: think sweaters, warm socks, and a good season to watch movies and sports.

Thank You to the Broomfield Community Foundation!

The Broomfield Community Foundation’s generous funding allowed us to engage the Broomfield community as a part of our Fill Your World With Good Tour! In January Rise Above Colorado facilitated a prevention focused art activity at the Teen Leadership Conference hosted by the Broomfield Teen Council. More than 70 Broomfield youth participated in making posters that elevated the positivity in their community and helped paint Broomfield’s piece of the statewide Fill Your World With Good mural. We were also able to engage many Broomfield youth and adults in the social media campaign, elevating the positive choices Broomfield youth were making on a regular basis, a strategy proven to prevent harmful behavioral health outcomes over time.

The funding will also allow us to dig deeply into Broomfield with our Rise Above Colorado Youth Survey, offering a better understanding of the experience of Broomfield youth.