Although they couldn’t literally shout it from the rooftops, Youth Crew and Youth Services (JS) leaders found effective ways to spread the word about marijuana and its effects on mental health.
The 12-by-32-foot sign recently found a home along U.S. 281 north of Great Bend, near the turnoff for Barton Community College.
While driving south on the freeway, drivers may see a message that says, “Why do I feel depressed when I’m high?”
The small print reads, “Study links marijuana use to suicidal thoughts and behavior in U.S. teens – National Institute on Drug Abuse 2023.”
“When I talk to young people and parents about marijuana, I often hear that they use it for depression, anxiety, focus, and more,” says Tyler Morton, JS prevention advocate and youth crew leader. said. When asked if it was helping them, the majority said they still noticed a negative impact on their mental health.
“More studies are coming out that directly link increased amounts of THC to more severe mental health issues,” Morton added. “These conflicts include suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and emotional outbursts.”
Morton created the main message for the sign and provided information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
“Youth Crew members, their families, and JS staff selected this design after considering several options,” Morton said. “We are all pleased to see signage installed on the highways and disseminating information.”
According to the advertising agency, this location receives more than 31,000 impressions per day. His three groups listed at the bottom of the sign are YLINK, which stands for Kansas Youth His Leaders. Youth Crew; and 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services.
“We are currently working on other sign designs for when the contract for this sign is signed,” Morton said.
Youth Crew is a program under the umbrella of JS and the Central Kansas Partnership.
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services provides juvenile intake and assessment, immediate intervention, intensive supervised probation, case management, and a journey to change for youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford, and Russell counties. By providing life skills, all-stars and youth, we help them achieve positive outcomes. crew. Parents and guardians are also provided with a parent project. Visit us at 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
