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Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention

Teen panel addresses problems facing youths

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A trio of Pasco County high schoolers gathered over the summer to share their perspective on youth drug use, mental health and other issues facing their peers — both on school campuses and in the community at large.

The teen activists — Land O’ Lakes High School’s Jocelyn Meriwether, Fivay High School’s Avery Merta and Gulf High School’s Maddie Horn — are part of a group called Safe Teens Against Drugs, or STAND, in Pasco County.

They have a straightforward mission: To end youth substance abuse in the area by educating teachers, law enforcement, business owners and other community members.

They do this by sharing their observations and by suggesting solutions.

The youth group is facilitated by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (Pasco ASAP), which arranged a virtual panel discussion.

Members of Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND) shared insights during a panel conducted during the summer on youth drug use, mental health and other issues facing their peers in Pasco County. Their testimony came during a virtual panel discussion organized by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (Pasco ASAP). (Courtesy of Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention)

“The mission of STAND is to really empower youth to be agents of change, by strengthening their voices,” Pasco ASAP’s coalition coordinator Kellie Rodriguez said, during the session.

Incorporating adolescent voices in the discussion is critical, she said.

Drug use in schools
The teens’ testimonies of what’s happening within their respective public schools were revealing for health service providers and other stakeholders. That was particularly true regarding the pervasiveness and accessibility of drugs.

Merta asserted students at Fivay High have access to all types of illicit substances — including cocaine, Percocet and LSD.

“A lot of kids get their hands on things they shouldn’t have,” the 17-year-old junior said. “There’s people getting hands on literally everything at my school.”

Horn said marijuana vapes and edibles are an issue at Gulf High School, and beyond.

The 15-year-old sophomore shared a story about a classmate openly selling marijuana-laced brownies to other students in one of her art classes last year.

“It was just wild to see,” Horn said. The sale was out in the open, but because it was a brownie, the teacher wasn’t suspicious.

The prevalence of marijuana vaping is concerning, too, she said.

Horn said these so-called weed pens have been found to have higher concentrations of THC — tetrahydrocannabinol — the main active ingredient of cannabis.

The troubling trend hits close to home for Horn, whose cousin became addicted to the weed pens and experienced withdrawal symptoms.

It was hard to watch, Horn said.

Smoking marijuana remains “one of the biggest drug-related issues” in schools, according to Meriwether, a high school junior and STAND Pasco president.

She said some Land O’ Lakes High students have strategically teamed up to visit different school restrooms simultaneously so if one gets caught, not all of the drugs are confiscated.

Offending students, however, rarely ever were discovered and punished, Meriwether observed.

“Getting caught was not common,” she said.

More school accountability needed
The students also pointed to the need for adults in the Pasco County school district to play a more active role in curbing illicit drug use.

More teachers need to routinely check school restrooms between passing periods “to make sure no one’s doing (anything),” Merta suggested.

Meriweather and Horn said teachers need to listen to what students are saying and pay attention to what they are doing.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve been in class and students are like talking very loudly about what they’re about to go do in the bathrooms…and our teachers just kind of overlook it, or kind of don’t react or don’t say anything,” Meriweather said.

She said teachers and other adults should step in and say: “Hey, I hear what you’re talking about. Let’s not do that, you know.’”

More empathy for teens needed
Another major complaint the panelists expressed centered on the general lack of empathy from teachers, guidance counselors and other school-support staff when students experience a panic attack or other mental health episode.

Marijuana usage remains an issue throughout Pasco County high schools, according to a group of students from Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND). (File)

“A lot of times, I’ll be having a panic attack and our teachers will be like, ‘Oh, you need to get back to work, you need to stop doing that,’” Horn said. “It’s really discouraging because I’m going through something and I have these really big emotions and big thoughts, and sometimes I can’t handle (them) on my own.”

Merta agreed: “Most of the teachers actually cause more anxiety by pressuring you into doing something.”

Merta explained — a student can be experiencing some type of anxiety, and instead of helping, the reaction might be: “Do your work. Do this. Do that.’”

Although the counselor at his school is supportive, Merta said, the counselor simply can’t devote enough time to students.

“You can only talk for like 10 to 15 minutes, so it’s not really something that’s worth it,” Merta explained.

Meriwether said it can take more than two weeks to get in to see a guidance counselor at Land O’ Lakes High School.

That’s not helpful during the middle of a panic attack, she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick chimed in, too.

She agreed with the panel that students need to have easy access to counselors.

“Yeah, they might be working on a specific topic right then, but they should be able to stop what they’re doing and help address a student, because a student is priority,” Fitzpatrick said.

She recommends that teachers be given mental health and anxiety de-escalation training.

Some positive steps forward
Students said they have seen progress, both at school and in the community.

Fivay has installed smoke detectors that can locate vapes, Merta said.

The school district also is instituting human trafficking educational programming at the end of each school year, Merta said.

Meriwether commended the positive presence of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office’s in schools and in the community. Deputies routinely ask how they can help better serve the area, the teen said.

Horn appreciates the welcoming attitude that Pasco County Schools has toward groups such as STAND.

The group has been invited to elementary and middle schools where information is shared on an array of topics, she said.

The plan to use COVID-19 relief funds to bring on 27 mental health counselors is a good step, Horn said.

To find out more about these issues or STAND, visit EmpoweredCommunities.org, or email .

Published September 22, 2021

Youth vaping a growing concern in Pasco

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Health officials in Pasco County are concerned about rising numbers of local teens who are using electronic cigarettes, or vaping.

Last year, about 25 percent of Florida high school students reported current use of electronic vaping, according to the Florida Department of Health. That marked a staggering 58 percent increase compared to 2017.

Representatives from the Florida Department of Health of Pasco County discussed youth e-cigarette use at a recent community meeting hosted by the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP). (Kevin Weiss)

The figures might be even higher in Pasco County, according to Jenae Haddocks, a health educator with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

“What we’re seeing is Pasco is above average as far as youth initiation in e-cigs and vape use, and above state average for that, so that’s not good,” Haddocks said at a recent community meeting hosted by the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

“We’re having a hard time trying to address it,” she added.

Exacerbating the vaping issue, Haddocks said, is a lack of oversight by e-cigarette retailers, along with a lack of regulation on e-cig products and flavors by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Haddocks pointed out e-cigs and related products can be purchased online with minimal or no type of age verification. “Kids can go online and purchase these products. It’s kind of surprising,” she said.

E-cigarette devices heat a liquid that produces an aerosol, or vapor. That liquid usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals.

Long-term health effects of vaping remain unknown.

However, some of the ingredients in e-cigarette aerosol could be harmful to the lungs in the long-term, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Moreover, the Florida Department of Health reports that the CDC has stated that that a single e-cig liquid pod of the popular e-cigarette brand JUUL contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.

Haddocks suggested e-cigarettes makers are marketing to youth and teenagers with pods that have “candylike or sweet flavoring” – flavors like bubblegum, fruit punch, candy cane, and crème brulee, to name a few.

The speaker noted the labeling of some of these pods even resemble that of candy products such as Sour Patch Kids or Bubblicious Original Bubble Gum. Such labeling makes e-cigs seem less harmful and more appealing for teens to try, Haddocks said.

The Florida Department of Health has seen a staggering increase in the number of teenagers vaping or using electronic cigarettes. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Health)

Currently, the JUUL brand and related sweet vapor flavorings, Haddock noted, “are really, really popular among youth right now.”

She put it like this: “Of course, adults do like those flavorings, but who’s more likely to buy bubble gum or Bubblicious at a gas station — a 12-year-old or a 35-year-old?”

Aside from nicotine and other unknown chemicals, the speaker went on to explain that e-cigarettes and vape products can be manipulated with illicit substances.

Haddocks said some Pasco County teens have been caught with e-cig pods that test positive for alcohol, THC, cannabis and other substances.

Said Haddocks: “They’re smoking things laced with who knows what and they don’t know half the time, so that’s kind of turning into an even bigger issue that we’re seeing.”

She added: “It’s kind of a growth issue that we have right now in Pasco.”

Meanwhile, Haddocks said general tobacco use among children under 18 years old remains “a big issue” in the county.

She pointed out the younger that someone is when first trying tobacco, the more likely that person is to become a lifelong tobacco user, or to abuse tobacco for years to come.

“Ninety percent of adult smokers begin at or before the age of 18. It’s a huge concern,” she said.

To better combat such youth initiation, Haddocks advised the community to educate youth on the dangers of tobacco products and other drugs.

Published May 01, 2019

Summit addresses mental health challenges

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Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019

New mindset needed in substance abuse battle, speakers say

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A shift in attitudes could go a long way toward reducing impacts from substance abuse, speakers said at the sixth annual Substance Abuse Prevention Conference held in Wesley Chapel.

Stigma is a huge issue, they said.

Those attending the sixth annual Substance Abuse Prevention Conference could visit a number of booths, including this one, which featured a poster on the topic of shattering the stigma associated with substance abuse. (B.C. Manion)

Until that changes, fewer people will seek treatment, and employment and housing challenges will remain for those in recovery from substance addictions, they explained.

A new mindset is also needed toward people who are in recovery, several speakers said.

Even when people have stopped misusing drugs or alcohol and are trying to reform their lives they often encounter roadblocks because of previous run-ins with the law, speakers said.

Those were among myriad issues discussed during the Sept. 21 conference at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

The conference, which had the theme “Strengthening Our Communities: Opportunities for Action,” was presented by the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) and BayCare Behavioral Health.

About 400 people were registered, including youths involved in prevention efforts, people at various stages of recovery, mental health and medical providers, elected officials, judges and members of law enforcement. Besides the speeches, the event included a panel discussion and breakout sessions.

The keynote speaker was Andy Duran, executive director of Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD) and the SpeakUP! Prevention Coalition, based near Chicago.

About 400 people registered to attend the sixth annual Substance Abuse Prevention Conference at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. The conference was presented by the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) and BayCare Behavioral Health. (B.C. Manion)

He talked about the need to change the conversation, as it relates to the topic of the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

He suggests dropping labels commonly used to describe people with drug or alcohol issues.

“We use pejorative words, even in prevention we do this. We use words like ‘addict’ or ‘junkie’ or ‘dirty’ … We’ve got to get those words out of the language.

“Someone has an addiction, they’re not an addict. Someone has an alcohol problem or struggles with alcoholism, they’re not an alcoholic.

“When we start to talk differently, we start to think differently. And, when we start to think differently, society then follows us and starts to think differently,” Duran said.

Society generally views substance abuse as a crime, a moral failing or a simple choice, Duran said. In reality, it’s a complex medical behavioral problem, he said.

The stigma attached to the problem reduces the likelihood that someone will ask for help, which increases the risk for overdose, Duran added.

Worst crisis in decades

Another speaker, Mark Fontaine, executive director of the Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association, offered an assessment of the current situation. He also addressed ongoing efforts to bring about change and the challenges ahead.

“I’ve been doing this work for 40 years. I have never seen a crisis as we’re facing in this state right now,” Fontaine said.

Opioid overuse is affecting every community in Florida, with opioids being the direct cause of 2,538 deaths across the state in 2015, he said. Statistics are not available for 2016 yet, but the number is expected to double, he said.

It’s not an isolated problem.

Mark Fontaine, executive director of the Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association, gave an assessment on the state’s current situation relating to substance abuse issues.

“This epidemic is affecting us all. It’s the most important thing that’s on the table in the state right now,” Fontaine said.

While efforts are underway to increase funding in the battle — and Gov. Rick Scott has declared it an emergency — the state lacks a comprehensive plan for tackling the problem, Fontaine said.

He pointed to gaps in service.

“In Florida, there are many people who come knocking on the door for treatment and treatment is not available to them,” Fontaine said.

And, while there’s a focus on the opioid crisis, that’s just one part of the substance abuse picture, speakers said.

“I can tell you that in the Pasco County Drug Court, we are seeing more methamphetamine than opioid cases,” said Judge Shawn Crane, who oversees that court. “That is a growing number. We see it all of the time. It’s cheap. It’s easy. It’s something for those practitioners and providers — just keep that on your radar. That is an important part of what we are facing in our court.”

And, while the opioid crisis is the focus of today, other problems persist, Duran said. “Alcohol still kills more people a year. Tobacco use still kills more people a year.”

In addition to the conference speakers, there was a panel discussion, moderated by Carley Boyette of Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend. It

A detail shot of a slide, used as a backdrop for conference speakers. (B.C. Manion)

took a look at the issues from the perspective of recovering addicts, social service providers, elected officials and law enforcement.

Cesar Rodriguez, who has had his share of battles with substance abuse, talked about the struggles that he encountered in finding work and housing, after he got sober.

“I stayed the course and I was able to find a job after a while, but by no means was that easy.

“When I made enough money and I was on my feet, the next obstacle was — you have to fill out these background checks to rent anywhere, and people don’t want convicted felons in their neighborhoods or in their HOAs (homeowners associations).

“Everything is, ‘Put your application online.’ You don’t get a chance to present yourself.

This artwork was on display at the sixth annual Substance Abuse Prevention Conference in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

“It can break people. When you get told ‘No’ enough — ‘No you can’t have safe housing,’ ‘You can’t have an hourly wage job to keep your life moving forward,’ — it can send somebody back out,” he said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore noted “substance abuse doesn’t discriminate …Every one of us has friends and neighbors that are going through this. Every one of us probably has a family member that has gone through this,” Moore said.

“As a community, we need to give people a chance,” Moore added.

Erica Smith, a licensed mental health counselor from BayCare Behavioral Health, said the road to recovery begins with meeting people where they’re at.

“It’s really about helping them to achieve behavior change,” she said.

“You get asked the question a lot of times: ‘How many times are you going to let this person come and use this service, or go to detox?’

The answer, she said, is “As many times as it takes.”

“We never shut the door,” Smith said.

Published Oct. 4, 2017