Substance Misuse Task Force

Task Force Mission and Goals

Mission: The Substance Misuse Task Force is committed to making a reduction in substance use a priority throughout Shawnee County.

Goals:

• Educate the public about the incidence and impact of early substance use by youth.
• Energize the public to address substance use within their families, schools, and multiple sectors.
• Engage key leaders and policymakers about the impact of substance use on the health and well-being of the county related to the impact of substance use

Substance use disorder (SUD) is the harmful pattern of using substances. Substance misuse and problematic patterns of substance use among youth also include legal components and can lead to problems related to education, physical or mental health, poor peer pressure, etc.

Substances include alcohol, e-cigarettes, vapes, cigarettes, marijuana, prescription drugs, and others. The task force works to stay updated on trends of actual or new drugs that emerge to adapt strategies.