Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships

Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships We work collaboratively to reshape community norms to reduce youth substance use.

We partner with young people, families, schools and other community organizations to promote a thriving culture. The Marin Coalitions have partnered with Local Businesses, Schools, Youth Serving Organization, Law Enforcement, Healthcare Professionals and other organizations included in the 12 sectors of our community who are working collaboratively to significantly reduce the incidence of underage use of alcohol, to***co and other drugs.

While we hear a lot about the importance of keeping our kids actively and meaningfully engaged, there is a counterpoint ...
06/19/2026

While we hear a lot about the importance of keeping our kids actively and meaningfully engaged, there is a counterpoint here that is equally as valid and that is: it’s okay for them to be bored.

We know it can be hard to watch your kid pace the house or sigh dramatically that there’s “nothing to do.” But boredom is actually beneficial.

Research shows that unstructured time supports creativity, emotional resilience, and problem-solving. It also helps kids build the ability to sit with discomfort, learning to be in their bodies without needing constant distraction or entertainment. These skills can protect against turning to substances as a way to cope later on.

So here’s your gentle invitation:
Drop the need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a packed schedule or perfect plan.

Let your kids wrestle with boredom and see what unfolds!

Happy Pride Month from all of us at MHYP!This June, we’re celebrating every young person, and holding space for those wh...
06/11/2026

Happy Pride Month from all of us at MHYP!

This June, we’re celebrating every young person, and holding space for those who need extra support. LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of substance use, often stemming from stigma, isolation, and lack of acceptance.

But here’s what we know: community is protective. Love is protective. YOU are protective.

Whether you’re a parent, friend, counselor, or ally, showing up for the LGBTQ+ youth in your life makes a real difference.

06/10/2026

We’re often asked what is the biggest thing we can do to help kids avoid future substance use issues. While there is no one answer, there is one piece to the puzzle that research indicates has huge implications.

Delay. Delay. Delay.

We now know that starting to drink before age 14 significantly increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence later in life and that every year kids can hold off, decreases that risk by 14%! Encouraging your teens to wait as long as possible to begin drinking can help reduce their chances of experiencing substance-related problems.

Your kids care what you have to say and they might not have all of the accurate info, so be sure to share what you know and help to give them the best chance at making a truly informed decision.

See: Age at Drinking Onset and Alcohol Dependence. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

We loved seeing this letter to the editor today in the Marin IJ, from Tam High Sophomore Noah Kaijankoski, and we couldn...
06/10/2026

We loved seeing this letter to the editor today in the Marin IJ, from Tam High Sophomore Noah Kaijankoski, and we couldn’t agree more with his assessment! We’re so proud to be focused on underage substance use prevention in Marin and love to see young people engaging with this work, too!

You may have received a message from your school about Marin teens gathering at Roy’s Redwoods Preserve in San Geronimo ...
06/08/2026

You may have received a message from your school about Marin teens gathering at Roy’s Redwoods Preserve in San Geronimo Valley. Here’s what we know and some resources that might help.

This spring, including over Memorial Weekend, several high school students were hospitalized due to substance use after gather at Roy’s Redwoods. Marin County Parks has been in contact with local schools and has let families know that they will be issuing citations to minors who violate laws on county land, particularly in the evening.

The schools have also included their immediate request to parents:

We know that with graduation this week, students may try to gather at this location in the coming weeks. Therefore, we are asking parents to address the following with their student/graduate:

* Direct Conversation: Sit down with your student to discuss concerns about this activity. 
* Discuss the Legal Stakes: Many of the activities students are engaging in are illegal and highly dangerous. 
* Monitor Plans and Transportation: If your student is planning to go out to Roy’s Redwoods, please verify their location and who is driving.

To learn more about How to Keep Kids Safe and Substance-Free This Summer, check out our blog (link in bio and in stories).

Summer is nearly here! Bringing with it warmer days, graduations, celebrations, and plenty of time for kids to enjoy fre...
06/05/2026

Summer is nearly here! Bringing with it warmer days, graduations, celebrations, and plenty of time for kids to enjoy freedom and fun. But summer can also mean a higher risk of first-time substance use.⁠ Which is why we’re re-sharing one of our most popular blog posts!

We’ve shared tips before on keeping kids safe and substance-free all summer long, but this year, we’re excited to introduce new, research-backed tools designed to help you take action and protect your family.⁠

Ready to learn more? Check out our latest blog for practical resources and strategies! (Link in bio!)⁠

Let’s make this summer safe, healthy, and full of positive memories!

We’ve learned so much for  and continued to glean more from her every day! Her book The Addiction Inoculation explores w...
06/05/2026

We’ve learned so much for and continued to glean more from her every day! Her book The Addiction Inoculation explores what it takes to raise healthy teens in a culture of dependence and could not be more relevant to what we’re facing in Marin.

We know that the most powerful thing we can do is come together, across communities and sectors, to do our parts! We’re thankful to be in community with all of you and with so many incredible organizations across Marin!

We feel so fortunate to be serving a community that cares deeply about our youth. As we head into summer we’re hard at w...
06/05/2026

We feel so fortunate to be serving a community that cares deeply about our youth. As we head into summer we’re hard at work putting together our next round of Let’s Talk Webinars and we cannot wait to share all of our amazing speakers and events!

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Marin County, CA

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