Salmon Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

10/22/2026

Big Changes Are Coming to Federal H**p Laws. What Does This Mean for Parents?

For years, some products labeled as “h**p” have contained intoxicating forms of THC, including delta-8, and have been sold as gummies, drinks, v**es, and other products.

New federal restrictions taking effect in November 2026 will significantly limit which THC-containing products can legally be classified as h**p.

Why does this matter for families?

Products labeled “h**p” aren't necessarily non-intoxicating or safe.

Some THC products are packaged to look like candy, drinks, or other everyday items.

Many intoxicating h**p products are already illegal under Idaho law.

Parents can help by staying informed and talking with their teens about these products.

At SSAPCO, we believe that understanding emerging drug trends is an important part of prevention.

The products may change. The laws may change. But protecting our youth remains the priority.

Read our full article to learn what's changing and what Idaho families should know. https://ssapco.org/what-parents-and-communities-need-to-know-about-the-federal-h**p-law-changes/

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New federal restrictions on h**p-derived THC products are approaching, raising important questions about product safety, youth access, and the changing cannabis market. For several years, h**p-derived products containing…

10/21/2026

The Salmon Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is Hiring a Teen Mentor

Job Description

Position Title: Mentor Assistant
Organization: Salmon Teen Center (Salmon Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition)
Location: Salmon, Idaho
Reports To: Program Director and/or Center Manager
Wage: $17/hr 90 day Probationary Period $17.50/hr after Probationary Period
Status: Part-Time / Non-Exempt (hours may vary based on program needs)

Position Summary
The Mentor Assistant plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for youth at the Salmon Teen Center. Under the direction of the Program Director, this position helps facilitate high-quality after-school, summer, and enrichment programming that promotes positive youth development, academic success, and substance-free lifestyles. The Mentor Assistant serves as a positive role model and mentor while supporting the daily operations of the Teen Center.

Key Responsibilities
Supervise and actively engage youth in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment while serving as a positive role model and mentor.
Help facilitate educational, recreational, enrichment, and community-based activities designed to build life skills, leadership, and confidence.
Support academic success by providing homework assistance, tutoring, and other learning opportunities.
Monitor participant behavior and enforce program expectations in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner.
Assist with basic cleaning and organization of the facility to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming space.
Help with snack service and related program logistics.
Communicate effectively and professionally with youth, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners to support overall program goals.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Report any concerns, incidents, facility issues, or participant needs to the Program Director in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of the Teen Center and its youth development mission.

Qualifications Preference
Passion for working with youth and commitment to positive youth development.
Experience working with children or teens (volunteer, mentoring, coaching, or paid experience preferred).
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to build trusting relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Reliable, responsible, and able to work as part of a team.
Background check and any required clearances (as mandated by state/funding regulations) must be successfully completed.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn about substance abuse prevention principles is a plus.
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) preferred.

Physical & Work Environment
Ability to actively engage with youth in recreational activities (may include standing, walking, light lifting).
Work primarily indoors with occasional outdoor activities.
Flexible schedule including afternoons, evenings, and weekends as program needs dictate.

This position is ideal for someone who is energetic, patient, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of local youth.

10/20/2026

Do you know the story behind Red Ribbon Week?

Every October, millions of students wear red ribbons and celebrate making healthy, drug-free choices. But many don't know the story of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, whose tragic death in 1985 inspired this nationwide movement.

His story reminds us that one person can make a difference.

As we recognize Red Ribbon Week, October 23–31, let's remember Kiki's sacrifice and continue working together to build a healthier, safer future for our youth here in Lemhi County.

Read the story behind the red ribbon and why it still matters today:

https://ssapco.org/the-story-behind-the-red-ribbon/

10/15/2026

Sometimes the best thing we can do for our kids is encourage them to put down their phones and experience what's happening around them.

Real friendships, new experiences, time outdoors, and face-to-face conversations all help build connection and belonging. Prevention is proactive!

Encourage your teen to spend less time scrolling and more time living!

10/06/2026

Remember Agent Camarena this month.

In February 1985, Camarena was kidnapped by police officers hired by the Guadalajara Cartel. After being tortured for information, Camarena was eventually killed. The U.S. investigation into Camarena's murder led to ten trials in Los Angeles for Mexican nationals involved in the crime.

09/28/2026

High school brings more independence.
Later nights.
New friends.
Driving.
Dating.
Parties.
More decisions made without a parent standing nearby.
But independence doesn't mean teenagers stop needing boundaries.
Our local data continues to show something encouraging: most Salmon students believe their parents disapprove of youth substance use.
That matters.
Your teenager may roll their eyes when you ask where they're going.
Ask anyway.
They may think a curfew is unreasonable.
Set one anyway.
They may tell you that you're the only parent who doesn't allow something.
Don't be afraid to be that parent.
Know their friends. Know where they're going. Check in. Set clear expectations about alcohol, ma*****na, va**ng and other drugs—and make sure they know they can always call you when they need help.
Teenagers need independence. They still need parents too.

09/28/2026

Prevention can't only be about everything we don't want kids to do.
Don't drink.
Don't v**e.
Don't use ma*****na.
Don't take someone else's pills.
Those messages matter.
But young people also need things they can say YES to.
Yes to friends.
Yes to activities.
Yes to leadership.
Yes to belonging.
Yes to trying something new.
Yes to having a place to go.
That's a big reason SSAPCO supports Salmon Drug Free Youth.
We want our young people to have opportunities to lead, have fun, serve their community, meet new people and create the kind of youth culture they actually want to be part of.
Prevention works better when young people aren't simply being told what to avoid.
Give them something better to choose.

09/28/2026

Here's some good news from our local students:
Past-30-day va**ng among Salmon High School students decreased from 18% in 2023 to 12% in 2026.
That's progress.
Sometimes prevention focuses so much on problems that we forget to tell young people when they're moving in the right direction.
Most Salmon students aren't va**ng.
Our students have also told us that va**ng doesn't seem as common as it was previously.
That doesn't mean the work is finished. It means the work is worth continuing.
Parents: keep talking.
Schools: keep setting expectations.
Students: keep looking out for each other.
And let's make sure our kids hear this part too:
Healthy choices are normal in Salmon.

09/28/2026

Last week we shared the new federal warning about fentanyl analogues including carfentanil, fluorofentanyl and methylfentanyl.
Here's why we keep talking about counterfeit pills:
You cannot tell what's in a pill by looking at it.
The illicit drug supply continues to change. The latest federal Drug Threat Notice warns that fentanyl analogues are appearing in counterfeit pills and being mixed with other illicit drugs. The White House
For teenagers, the message doesn't need to be complicated:
Never take a pill that wasn't prescribed to you.
Not from a friend.
Not because someone says it's “just a Xanax.”
Not because it looks like a prescription pill.
Parents, have this conversation before your child is ever offered one.
It may feel uncomfortable.
Have it anyway.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Drug-Threat-fentanyl-analogues-1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com