Perry County Community Health Task Force

The PCCTF conducts different alcohol/substance use prevention and support programs for youth - Seeking Answers About Situations for 12-15 year olds; Seeking Answers for 16-18 year olds; and Girls Circle for 12-15 year old girls. Eighty-four youth were served through weekly meetings in 2024. Of those surveyed 98.5% felt the program helped them, 94% would recommend the program to a friend, 92% stated the program gave them knowledge to live a healthier lifestyle, 85% stated they are less likely to use substances as a result of the program, and 85% stated they have learned strategies to help solve their substance use issues.

The PCCTF conducts an annual DEFY HS Conference (previously known as Junior/Senior Conference); an annual DEFY 8 Conference (previously known as Eighth Grade Conference); and in-school lifeskill programs - DEFY LS and Healthy Alternatives for Little Ones (HALO); and assists other community organizations that have similar missions. Of the DEFY participants 81% stated the program was beneficial for them, 77% stated they are less likely to use as a result of the conferences, and 87% stated others would benefit from attending the program. Of the HALO participants 99% were able to identify healthy and harmful foods and drinks, 92% were able to identify a healthy coping skill and 98% were able to list a way to say NO to negative peer pressure. The in-school programs served approximately 1,800 youth in 2024.