When you’re guiding the young people you care about to make smart choices about substance use, you need all the help you can get. In Region II:
- 20% of high school seniors report regular vaping
- 14% of high school seniors report regularly binge drinking
- 17% of 10th graders and 26% of 12th graders have tried marijuana
- Almost 11% of high school seniors report regular marijuana use
The good news? You’re in the right place!
We’re here to help all parents and allies of young people in West Central Nebraska have open, honest conversations with kids. Here, you’ll find links to sites and organizations that offer the facts on drugs and alcohol and a wide variety of tips and tools for adults to use to help kids live happy, healthy lives.
You can easily find local support, national resources and learn more about the services provided by Region II.
If you have a crisis, there is help. Find immediate resources here.
Local Resources
These resources are available in our local area. They offer information, programs and support for substance use prevention and treatment and mental health concerns.
Region II Human Services
We provide direct mental health and substance abuse services, as well as prevention services, to southwest Nebraska (Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Gosper, Grant, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas counties).
Tobacco Free Lincoln County
The area’s tobacco use prevention program aims to help people quit tobacco, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke and prevent youth tobacco use.
Community Connections
Collaboration between agencies, neighborhoods, businesses, and schools to create a better future for youth and families through prevention-focused programming.
Nebraska Family Helpline
Raising kids is hard, but the counselors at the Nebraska Family Helpline are here to help. It’s okay to ask for advice, and this resource is available for you 24/7.
Nebraska Mental Health
This organization helps people navigate mental health needs in one easy-to-use location. They provide a wide assortment of information, resources and help to find appropriate answers and care.
Tobacco Free Nebraska
The state’s comprehensive tobacco prevention program aims to help people quit tobacco, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke and prevent youth tobacco use.
Tobacco Free Nebraska Quit Line
Quitting any tobacco or nicotine habit is hard to do! Since 2010, this quit line has helped more than 16,000 users quit tobacco. They have tools to help you quit too.
Nebraska Youth Suicide Prevention
Mental health resources specific to your needs provided in a clear, organized way. They share credible links to publications and other internet resources to steer their prevention efforts and provide the best of what’s out there.
Nebraska Loss Resources
The Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team aims to provide compassion, support and resources to those impacted by suicide. They respond to the scene of a suicide within two to 48 hours after notification and provide follow up support to the bereaved as requested.
National Resources
These national resources provide well-respected, researched information on substance use prevention and treatment, as well as tips for both parents, youth allies and young people.
Partnership for
Drug-Free Kids
This national organization is a go-to for information on all aspects of substance use and addiction, from prevention to recovery. Research on the site or text, email or schedule a call with their specialists.
Be Tobacco
Free
Quitting is never easy, but with the right tools it is possible. This federal government website offers the tools and advice needed to quit a tobacco or vaping habit. It also provides information on prevention and how to live a longer, healthier, and smoke-free life.
Truth
Initiative
A leader in reducing youth smoking over 20 years, this initiative “seeks, speaks and spreads the truth” about tobacco and vaping. They provide resources for those who want to quit or help a loved one quit.
smokefree.gov
This federal program provides information about the health dangers of smoking. It also features different tools to help people quit and explains their use. There are many special resources for teens as well (in English and Spanish).
know the risk
From the U.S. Surgeon General, this site focuses on vaping and youth. It provides reliable information that dispels the myth that vaping isn’t dangerous so young people can make informed decisions.
youth tobacco survey
For those interested in how common substance use is among high school students, this in-depth national survey provides the answers. Results are categorized and presented by state and topic.
Crisis Resources
You DO NOT have to go it alone. If you or the young person you love are struggling with substance use or mental health concerns, there are compassionate, knowledgeable people waiting to help you 24/7.
There is always a solution.
Poison
Control
If you suspect poisoning or drug overdose, call 1-800-222-1222. You’ll be routed to the Poison Center in your local area. Your call will be managed by a Poison Specialist (registered nurse or pharmacist).
988 Suicide Prevention
Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. This Lifeline provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress or their loved ones who wish to help them. You’ll also find prevention and crisis resources.
Boys Town
Hotline
This Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for youth, parents or youth advocates. It’s staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors who can help in crisis or provide resources.
Crisis
Text Line
For any kind of crisis, text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. You’ll be connected with a live, trained Crisis Counselor who receives the text and responds from a secure online platform. They will support you through the crisis.
Nebraska Family
Helpline
Raising kids is hard, but the counselors at the Nebraska Family Helpline are here to help. It’s okay to ask for advice, and this resource is available for you 24/7. Don’t go it alone—we can help.
