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Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Home Page
Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Contact Information
275 E. Main Street 4WG
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4456
Fax: (502) 564-9010
Hours: Monday–Friday
8:00 am–4:30 pm ET


Crisis Lines by County
Hotlines/Other Contacts
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Contact Us

Program Administrator
Laura Edwards
(502) 782-0091

Youth Empowerment System

The Youth Empowerment System (YES) was created to build the capacity for youth to plan, implement, and evaluate substance abuse prevention strategies in their communities.

The mission of YES is to promote the prevention of the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD), as well as violence.

To accomplish this mission, the YES Steering Committee, composed of certified prevention specialists from across the state, works to empower youth groups across the state by (1) directing and evaluating funding proposals and plans to implement strategies that focus on prevention; (2) providing training on best practices; and (3) providing technical assistance on program implementation.

Youth groups comprise high school-age youth in grades 9–12. Activities of these youth groups include:

  • Educating peers on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.
  • Educating middle and elementary school students and serving as role models for these younger-grade students.
  • Advocating for smoke-free school campuses and smoke-free local sporting arenas.
  • Raising community awareness of ATOD topics through articles in newspapers, letters to the editor, public service announcements on radio, and interviews and appearances on news programs.
  • Educating key leaders and policymakers in the community on issues faced by youth.
  • Advocating for social host ordinances to combat underage alcohol use.
  • Working to change the culture and social norms of substance use and abuse in their schools and communities.

Each year prevention specialists recognize the efforts and creativity of Kentucky's young people by honoring an outstanding group of the year at a statewide conference. Recognition occurs locally, regionally, and at state prevention programs.

For more information about the program or how a youth group can be involved, use the Contact Information at the top right of this page.

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