New substance use prevention campaign encourages youth to talk about feelings

With Substance Abuse Block Grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), AHCCCS recently launched Talk Heals, a public awareness campaign aimed to reduce substance misuse among youth by encouraging them to talk to trusted people in their lives.

Talk Heals uses emojis and familiar scenarios in youth culture to reach youth with relevant messaging that they themselves would be likely to share with their peers.

The Talk Heals, campaign includes TV, outdoor, and online ads that encourage youth that it is better to talk to a trusted person than to turn to substances to cope with life’s stressors and mental health challenges.

Visit www.talkheals.org for an interactive resource to guide in English and Spanish, and links to where to find more help. Look for the campaign on Instagram @talk_heals, Facebook @talkheals, and Tik Tok at @talkheals.

Educators, parents, and partners can help spread this message with resources available in a Partner Toolkit.