Better Without It - Nassau County Coalition

Better Without It: Empowering Youth to Thrive Substance-Free

About the Campaign

Better Without It is a comprehensive, youth-focused campaign dedicated to empowering young individuals to live substance-free lives through personal growth, resilience, and informed decision-making. By focusing on wellness, self-love, and the power of positive relationships, this initiative moves beyond traditional prevention methods, offering a modern, engaging approach
tailored to the preferences of Gen Z.

Through this foundation, Better Without It aims to:

Improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism.
Decrease negative consequences related to substance use.
Foster better outcomes with fewer incidents involving authorities.

Key Engagement Strategies

ENTERTAIN: Amusing and attracting without preaching.
EDUCATE: Providing information without stigma.
EMPATHIZE: Sharing real stories and outcomes.

Why it MATTERS

110

opioid-involved non-fatal overdose emergency department visits in 2022.

168

emergency medical service responses to suspected opioid-involved overdoses.

opioid overdose deaths in Nassau County alone.

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School-based data from the 2021-22 SESIR system highlights 28 cases of drug use/possession, 3 cases of drug sale/distribution, and 221 tobacco-related incidents, demonstrating the need for proactive prevention efforts. Additionally, the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) shows that Nassau County's past 30-day use of substances—including alcohol, vape nicotine, marijuana, OTC drugs, and prescription pain relievers—exceeds state averages, further emphasizing the importance of initiatives like Better Without It.

Integrated Community Approach

By aligning Better Without It with existing initiatives like Screenagers and Friday Night Done Right (FNDR), and partnering with the Nassau County School District to support the School Diversion Program, the campaign creates a cohesive prevention network. This collaborative approach ensures consistent messaging around resilience and healthy decision-making while equipping youth with life skills to resist peer pressure and substance use.

The Path Forward

In its first year, Better Without It will introduce the campaign through existing community events and efforts, laying the groundwork for a larger-scale media campaign in the following year. By promoting self-confidence, meaningful relationships, and healthier choices, Better Without It empowers Nassau County’s youth to lead successful, substance-free lives, reducing the risks of substance use and fostering a brighter future for the entire community.

Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved in this transformative campaign!

For more information or to schedule a program, contact Caitlin Miller at [email protected].