Shasta County is taking a proactive approach to combat youth substance abuse by investing opioid litigation settlement funds into a comprehensive prevention initiative. Following extensive community input and collaboration among key organizations, the Board of Supervisors has approved a new campaign led by CORE: Community Opioid Response & Education—a coalition dedicated to reducing youth substance use through education, direct support services, and early intervention programs.
Background: A Collaborative Approach to Prevention
On November 12, 2024, the Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting to hear proposals on how to allocate opioid litigation settlement funds. Among the presenters were Youth Options, Raising Shasta, Columbia School District Superintendent Clay Ross, and fentanyl poisoning awareness advocate/impacted parent, Amanda Faith, who proposed a joint initiative focused on youth prevention. Recognizing the strength of their collaborative vision, the Board requested a more refined proposal.
At the December 19, 2024 Board meeting, this newly formed group, now known as CORE: Community Opioid Response & Education, presented its initial plan. The Board unanimously supported the initiative and granted additional time for CORE to further develop its strategy. This landmark partnership signifies a rare but crucial effort among local organizations to identify service gaps, share resources and collaborate on solutions to better support Shasta County’s youth.
The CORE Plan: A Three-Part Strategy
CORE’s initiative is built on three key pillars:
1. Community Awareness, Education, and Engagement
A public awareness campaign will educate both youth and parents on the dangers of substance use, early warning signs, and available support services. Social media, traditional media, and community outreach will be utilized to ensure widespread engagement.
2. Direct Prevention Services
CORE will provide mentoring programs, parent education resources, and positive social activities aimed at preventing substance use before it begins. These programs will also be highlighted in the media campaign to encourage participation.
3. Early Interventions
For youth who show early signs of substance use or risky behavior, CORE will offer targeted interventions such as family support groups, and aggression replacement therapy to address issues before they escalate.
Funding & Accountability
The Board of Supervisors has committed $1.25 million for the first year of the initiative, with an additional $1 million allocated for both year two and year three. These funds will enable CORE to launch its programs in August 2025, with ongoing evaluations to measure impact and effectiveness. The Board also requested biannual reports to assess results and adjust strategies as needed.
While media campaigns and structured programs are essential, true change comes from community involvement. Shasta County encourages parents, educators, and local residents to actively engage in these efforts—whether by mentoring, supporting youth activities, or simply looking out for the well-being of our children.
More details on the CORE initiative and budget are available in the attached presentation files.
For updates and ways to get involved, visit raisingshasta.org and youthoptionsshasta.org.