The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initiated the Free Mind campaign, a comprehensive national effort designed to tackle the interconnected challenges of youth substance abuse and mental health issues among adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. This timely back-to-school initiative provides scientifically-grounded resources for both teenagers and their caregivers.

The Free Mind campaign focuses on prevention through open dialogue about drug use risks and emotional well-being. The thoughtful initiative was developed with direct input from youth regarding their substance use perceptions. The campaign addresses alarming public health data that reveals fentanyl’s involvement in 75% of adolescent overdose deaths and that 40% of high school students are withdrawing from activities due to persistent sadness.

Image Credit: CDC