Play Hard Live Healthy Preston County

The Blind Spot Backpack Presentation is an interactive educational program designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to increase awareness of youth substance use and other challenges facing today's adolescents. During the presentation, participants examine common items that may be found in a student's backpack that could indicate substance use, vaping, alcohol use, or other risky behaviors. The program explains what these items are, how they may be used, and the warning signs adults should recognize.

In addition to identifying potential indicators of substance use, the presentation discusses risk and protective factors, effective communication with youth, and available community resources. The goal is to equip trusted adults with the knowledge and confidence to recognize early warning signs, start supportive conversations, and connect young people with help before problems escalate.

The Mock Teen Bedroom Presentation is an interactive educational program that gives parents, caregivers, educators, and community members the opportunity to explore a realistic teen bedroom and identify hidden signs of substance use and other risky behaviors. Participants search the room for everyday objects that may conceal alcohol, vaping products, nicotine, marijuana, prescription medications, or other substances, while learning about common hiding places and current trends among youth.

Throughout the presentation, prevention professionals explain what the items are, why they may be concerning, and how to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and potential warning signs. The program also provides practical tips for starting open, supportive conversations with young people, recognizing early indicators of substance use, and connecting families with local prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. The goal is to empower adults to identify concerns early and foster safe, healthy, and substance-free environments for youth.

The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is an immersive, hands-on experience that helps participants better understand the realities of living in poverty. During the simulation, individuals assume the roles of families facing financial hardship and must navigate everyday challenges such as securing housing, paying bills, obtaining transportation, accessing healthcare, finding childcare, and purchasing food—all while managing limited resources and unexpected crises.

Designed for community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, businesses, faith communities, and the general public, the simulation builds empathy and increases awareness of the barriers many families face. Participants gain a deeper understanding of how poverty impacts health, education, employment, and overall well-being, while exploring how communities can work together to reduce barriers, improve access to services, and strengthen support systems for individuals and families.

The Knight's Quest Prevention Challenge is an innovative, interactive prevention program currently under development by the Preston Prevention Partnership. Designed to engage youth through teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, participants will complete a series of challenges that promote healthy decision-making, leadership, communication, and resilience while reinforcing substance use prevention messages.

Using real-life scenarios, escape-room style puzzles, and prevention-focused activities, youth will strengthen protective factors such as critical thinking, peer support, refusal skills, and confidence in making healthy choices. The program is being developed to align with evidence-based prevention principles and will provide a fun, engaging environment where participants can build life skills while learning about the risks associated with alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and other drug use.

Knight's Quest Prevention Challenge is currently in development. Check back for updates on pilot opportunities, program availability, and ways to get involved as we prepare to launch this exciting new prevention initiative in Preston County.

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) and Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP) are evidence-based workshops designed to help adults take an active role in managing their health and improving their quality of life. These interactive classes provide practical tools and strategies for individuals living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, chronic pain, and other long-term health concerns.

Participants learn skills to better manage symptoms, reduce stress, improve communication with healthcare providers, increase physical activity, set achievable health goals, and make informed decisions about their care. The workshops also focus on building confidence, improving emotional well-being, and connecting participants with others facing similar challenges in a supportive group setting.

Whether you are living with a chronic condition, caring for someone who is, or looking for ways to improve your overall health, these classes provide the knowledge and support needed to live a healthier, more active life. Classes are led by trained facilitators and are offered throughout the year to members of the community.