CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL FREE MIND initiative

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The CDC developed the Free Mind campaign to help prevent and reduce drug use and overdose among youth. The campaign was created through research and real conversations with youth, parents, and caregivers. Through these conversations, CDC identified a need to address the connection between substance use and mental health among youth ages 12-17.

The goals of the Free Mind campaign are to:

• Prevent substance use initiation, substance use, overdose, and related harms among youth.
• Educate youth on specific risks related to substance use, addiction, and overdose.
• Articulate the impacts that mental and behavioral health issues have on youth as they relate to substance use, prescription drug misuse, overdose, and addiction.
• Encourage youth to take responsibility for the aspects of their lives within their control and make healthy decisions.
• Equip those who influence youth with tools and information to help effect positive change.