The SPARK Coalition aims to prevent and reduce substance misuse and its associated harms among Central Berkshire County middle and high school aged youth. SPARK brings together diverse community members with a shared goal of improving mental health, connection, and empowerment. Following the lead from two Youth Advisory Boards and a cross-sector planning coalition, SPARK aims to improve peer-to-peer mental health support, build youth advocacy skills in local government and decision-making processes, bolster new and existing youth-friendly social spaces, and increase education on risk factors related to substances of first use (nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis) through a Positive Community Norms-based approach emphasizing that youth substance use continues to decline, and that Berkshire County youth tend to report lower lifetime substance use than nationally. By increasing education and empowering youth to take leadership to make the changes they want to see, SPARK fosters healthy social connections and a supportive community that will reduce future substance misuse and addiction.

Website: boapc.org/spark/