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KOM’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Training program is a guide for youth and parents to learn about the consequences of substance use and how to avert it early on.
Pictured above: Ner Mu teaching alongside Chri Moo, KOM Summer Community Health Intern, at Hosanna Karen Baptist Church, July 1st, 2024
The Substance Use Program teaches on the effects of substance use on the brain and body, how drug use can be detected in adolescents, healthy boundaries around substances and what to do in case of an overdose. It is part of a larger program within KOM called the Youth Chemical Dependency Program, which offers referrals to health care providers and treatment centers as well as youth case management.
“I want them to chase their dreams and be able to support their own communities.” Ner Mu, Youth Health Educator at KOM.
Purpose of the Program
The Substance Use Prevention Training program started in 2018 after parents within the Karen community and neighboring groups began seeing a more substantial need for education around the use of drugs and alcohol in youth. The program travels to various Saint Paul Public Schools, as well as churches and Buddhist monasteries, to present and teach safety around substances to students. Topics range each month based on various substance abuse and addiction issues. It serves middle and high school students aged 12 through 18.
Ner Mu, Youth Health Educator at KOM and the supervisor of the substance use prevention training program, said about the program,
“I started working with this program because I am passionate about supporting my own community, the Karen community, as well as all the immigrant communities we help. I want to keep the youth from Burma happy and healthy.”
This is exactly the point of the program: to educate early on and build awareness around substance abuse.
Percocet use, THC vaping, and nicotine vaping rates have been increasing, a dangerous practice for children’s developing brains. This is why KOM is emphasizing education for middle school students. The Substance Use Prevention Program is currently going to Washington Tech to educate and provide information regarding these dangers.
Education on Substance Use: Parents and their Children
Lack of education around substance use is a key factor in the distance between parents and their children. It is also a reason why youth may get caught up in using substances without knowing the consequences of such usage. KOM’ staff hopes to inform families early on of the repercussions and dangers of substance use so that it can be intercepted.
A large part of the program is educating parents of youth who may or may not be using substances. Communication barriers, language barriers, and barriers around age are all factors in why youth who use substances remain silent about their struggles. Ner Mu, in his own words, “…acts as a liaison between the western culture and cultures of Burma.” Immigrant parents who struggle with these obstacles can learn how to support their children and how to appropriately check-in on their children’s mental health.
Successes
KOM’s substance use prevention training program has been a success in the community. Surveys handed out after presentations indicate that parents have positive feedback. According to Ner Mu, parents are more informed on how to support their children and how to check in. Approximately 30% of KOM’s Chemical Dependency program clients achieved sobriety.
According to one of our colleagues in harm reduction:
“KOM offered Karen translated naloxone training to people directly impacted by the opioid crisis. This is not something I have seen done before. In fact, the group said before that point they had never heard of naloxone or knew something like this existed. This goes to show how novel of a training this was. Had KOM not provided this in Karen, the individuals in the room would have never received the information any other way.”
Future of the Program
Recently, KOM has added a new program; a peer support group for parents. Leaders of this program meet with parents once a month and make home visits. The primary goal is to connect with families on substance use and addiction issues. This way, a consistent system can create a pathway for long-lasting change.
KOM’s Substance Use Prevention Training Program received a new opportunity. They will work with justice involved Karen and Karenni youth that are struggling with addiction and facing other challenges. This is through the Ramsey County Juvenile Justice Department.
Since this is a program area not fully covered by grants, individual and community funding is essential. KOM’s youth chemical health prevention programs and peer support groups are funded by Ramsey County, the Minnesota Department of Health, and contributions from individual donors. Your gift can help us reach more youth and families struggling with substance use. Give a gift today to support prevention and recovery.
If you have a loved one or family member aged 12-18 in need of substance use and addiction support, please feel free to fill out the youth referral form here. You can contact Ner Mu with any questions about the program at nmu@mnkaren.org or 651-202-3132.
