The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County

06/19/2026

TODAY IS FREEDOM DAY (Juneteenth)
To continue honoring and celebrating the historic day 250,000 enslaved Black/African American people in Texas were declared finally free (2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863), June 19, 1865. Some enslavers prohibited use of substances like alcohol to prevent injuries and uprisings; however, Frederick Douglass famously noted that there were some who used it as a tool for control. Since then, this population has endured and been resilient, but not free from the fallout of addiction nor a complicated relationship with substance misuse. This is not to say this community is the only one struggling with drugs, ALL communities are with different things. Black communities have historically been underrepresented in the research, so understanding addiction/substance use amongst B/AA folk is still lacking. Without looking at it through a historical, cultural, sociological or intersectional lens - the support can’t reach who needs it. This we want to highlight the work of Black Americans who are working towards this change and understanding. Today, we are highlighting the amazing work of Dr. Ijeoma Opara trying to reach a neglected population in the research: Black Girls. She is a prevention pioneer, and her work is opening the door for BIPOC who aren't getting services that meet and understand their WHOLE person needs.
❤️💛💚🤍💙
https://youtu.be/h7eAoBs3qX0?si=ydPlxxrwBfpFhs-B

Sc: Cornerstone of Recovery: Addiction and Black History Month & the Smithsonian: National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion presents the Address...

06/19/2026

Mental health problems and substance use disorders sometimes occur together. Learn about mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders: samhsa.gov/mental-health/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders

06/18/2026

With June 19th being tomorrow, we would like to honor the courageous fight for freedom and equality. While the oppression of Black/African Americans did not come to an end with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, they tirelessly kept up the hope until Union troops arrived in Texas (the furthest confederate state and last) on June 19, 1865 to declare more than 250,000 enslaved black people FINALLY free. Lots of work has been done and continues to be done to try to repair the historical damage slavery has had on the world. Some enslavers prohibited use of substances like alcohol to prevent injuries and uprisings; however, Frederick Douglass famously noted that there were some who used it as a tool for control. Since then, this population has endured and been resilient, but not free from the fallout of addiction nor a complicated relationship with substance misuse. This is not to say this community is the only one struggling with drugs, ALL communities are with different things. Black communities have historically been underrepresented in the research, so understanding addiction/substance use amongst B/AA folk is still lacking. Without looking at it through a historical, cultural, sociological or intersectional lens - the support can’t reach who needs it. This we want to highlight the work of Black Americans who are working towards this change and understanding. Today we are highlighting Tommy McGee and sharing this podcast appearance where he discusses his work and research with the Black community. ❤️💛💚🤍💙
https://youtu.be/pGuO_0alMr4?si=oq-XnjdEL0qFfDoM

Sc: Cornerstone of Recovery: Addiction and Black History Month & the Smithsonian: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Listen to psychotherapist, addiction counselor, clergyman, and blac...

06/15/2026

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06/15/2026

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06/12/2026

What happens when the life of the party realizes alcohol is taking ...

06/11/2026

Según la encuesta «Monitoring the Future» (MTF) de 2025 del Instituto Nacional sobre el Abuso de Dr**as (NIDA), ¡Los adolescentes estadounidenses siguen la tendencia de una adolescencia sin alcohol! El 83% de los alumnos de 8th curso, el 70% de los de 10th y el 51% de los de 12th N U N C A han consumido alcohol. ¡Es increíble! Esto no habría sido posible sin el esfuerzo en materia de prevención y la colaboración con los padres y tutores. Hablar sobre los riesgos del consumo de alcohol por menores y guardar el alcohol bajo llave en casa son medidas cruciales para ayudar a que esta tendencia siga avanzando hacia una adolescencia sin consumo de alcohol por menores. ¡Enhorabuena a todos!
sc: https://www.responsibility.org/nida-mtf-dec2025/

https://youtu.be/EptCz5lDssQ?si=siQ7NBi1J9H1V7hP

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06/11/2026

According to the 2025 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the teens of America are continuing their trend towards alcohol-free adolescence! 83% of 8th, 70% of 10th and 51% of 12th graders have N E V E R consumed alcohol. That's incredible! It would not have been possible without the effort of prevention and the partnership with parents/guardians. Talking about the risks of underage drinking and locking alcohol up in the home are crucial to helping this trend keep heading towards NO teens underage drinking! Way to go everyone!
sc: https://www.responsibility.org/nida-mtf-dec2025/

https://youtu.be/40iG5402ypg

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/10/2026

👩‍🎓 Congratulations to our Youth Prevention Specialist, Jackie Bustos-Macedo and the rest of the Buncombe County/Asheville City graduates! Keep your heads up, work hard, take care of yourself and each other. The future is yours 💫

06/08/2026

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Recently, our very own Stacy Grier, Education and Community Outreach Director for the North Carolina ABC Commission, spoke with WRAL News about the importance of early, ongoing conversations around underage drinking. 💬

From engaging in simple, weekly check-ins to managing boundaries, Stacy shared practical advice for both parents and teens during the segment.

For teens, she encourages: "Say no. Say it with a smile. Be confident with that."

At Talk it Out NC, we believe prevention starts with connection, communication, and showing up for the conversation early and often.