About Us
The Coalition for Healthy Youth is a collaborative community partnership dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young people in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Our membership brings together representatives from schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government agencies to advance prevention efforts and strengthen community support for youth.
Our primary focus is preventing and reducing youth substance misuse while promoting the conditions that help young people lead healthy, successful lives.
Our Approach
We use local data, community input, and research-based strategies to identify needs and guide our work. By coordinating expertise and resources across organizations, we support prevention education, early intervention, and community engagement.
Our initiatives include school and community programs, parent education, public awareness campaigns, safe medication disposal efforts, and professional development opportunities. Through our partnerships, we also support efforts to address teen pregnancy, truancy, school dropout, delinquency, and violence.
Our Goals
-
Strengthen collaboration among community organizations and government agencies to coordinate and expand youth prevention efforts.
-
Promote youth well-being through policies, programs, and environments that support healthy development.
-
Identify community needs through data collection and engagement with youth, families, and local partners.
-
Prevent substance misuse by addressing risk factors, strengthening protective supports, and preventing or delaying substance use.
-
Advance effective prevention and intervention through research-based programs and education.
-
Increase public awareness and encourage shared responsibility for protecting youth.
-
Reduce substance-related harm and its health, social, and economic impacts on Lancaster County.
JOIN OUR EFFORTS
The Coalition for Healthy Youth meets on the 3rd Wednesday each month, with the exception of June, July and December. Our meetings are held on the University of South Carolina-Lancaster Campus at the Carole Ray Dowling Building, 476 Hubbard Dr. Lancaster, SC 29720.
We welcome organizations and community members interested in advancing youth health and prevention. Participation provides opportunities to share expertise, build partnerships, and contribute to coordinated solutions that address local needs.