Question 1

Who is in charge of implementing the campaign?

Accepted Answer

The campaign is a collaboration between Lake County Health Department and District 112 Middle Schools: Edgewood and Northwood.  The Lake County Health Department receives a grant through the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to manage and implement substance use prevention campaigns and programs throughout Lake County.Josh Strelitz, MPH, Community Health Specialist II, is the main point of contact for the campaign. He joined the Lake County Health Department during the 2023–2024 academic year and works closely with District 112 schools, as well as the surrounding community, to design and implement prevention efforts. He can be reached at jstrelitz2@lakecountyil.gov."I'm passionate about the work I do in this community. I grew up on the North Shore and have family actively enrolled in the school system, so my connection to this work is both professional and personal."

Question 2

When did the campaign start?

Accepted Answer

The student campaign started in the Fall of 2019 at both Northwood and Edgewood middle schools.

Question 3

What is the main goal of the campaign?

Accepted Answer

The main goal of the campaign is to decrease 30-day alcohol use-rates in district 112 middle school students.

Question 4

What prior work has this organization been involved with?

Accepted Answer

The Lake County Health Department’s (LCHD) Prevention Program has been working in the Highland Park and Highwood area for over a decade; with much of our involvement being in collaboration with the coalition, Community. The Anti Drug.  Prior to 2019, the student campaigns were in district 113 high schools.  All campaigns funded through DHS used state-designed materials and must adhere to state guidelines. High school administration wanted the campaign to be more locally designed and decided to create an internal campaign.  The state-designed campaign moved to the middle schools in district 112.
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LCHD’s additional involvement in the community includes a federally qualified healthcare center right in downtown Highland Park, serving residents and workers in south Lake County.

Question 5

Does this campaign only focus on working with middle school students?

Accepted Answer

The focus of this specific campaign is on middle school students (see previous question for further explanation). The LCHD Prevention Program services other communities in which campaigns are implemented in high schools. Looking for Highland Park High School Specifically? Community the Anti-Drug Coalition Facilitates Substance Use Prevention Programming at Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools. They offer a communication campaign, a student coalition called LEAD (Lead and Educate Against Drugs), and more. The Mission of Community—The Anti-Drug Coalition  is to reduce the use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs among youth in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods. Information about the Coalition can be found here

Question 6

​Where is the data being collected from?

Accepted Answer

Baseline data comes from the Illinois Youth Survey, a survey administered every other year during the spring semester to 8th grade students.In addition, students complete a marketing survey each school year. This survey includes questions about the communication campaign, along with substance use questions drawn directly from the Illinois Youth Survey. Unlike the Illinois Youth Survey, the marketing survey is administered to students in all grade levels.Parents are notified at least two weeks before the marketing survey is administered and may request to have their student opted out. All data is kept confidential and only shared with the school.

Question 7

How can I get involved?

Accepted Answer

We collaborate with Community the Anti-Drug for parent involvement.  Reach out to info@communitytheantidrug.org or JStrelitz2@lakecountyil.gov for information. We ask that you have a student enrolled in North Shore School District 112, Deerfield Public Schools District 109, or Township High School District 113 to get involved. Thank you

Question 8

Are there any events coming up soon that I can participate in?

Accepted Answer

Check the principal newsletters at Edgewood and Northwood to learn more about any upcoming events and communication.  To find out more information about the parent committee, please email Josh at JStrelitz2@lakecountyil.gov.

Question 9

How do I spread awareness?

Accepted Answer

Start having conversations with your child about the campaign.  Ask them about the campaign activities and how they feel about the campaign.  This can also help to continue or start discussions about your family’s rules on underage drinking and general substance use.  Similarly, talk with friends and fellow middle school parents about the campaign and if they also want to be involved.

Question 10

​Where can I find more information?

Accepted Answer

This website contains valuable information with links to even more information. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please email Josh at JStrelitz2@lakecountyil.gov

Frequently asked questions