Clay Action Coalition

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Orange Park, FL
Clay Action Coalition

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Clay Action Coalition's mission has been to prevent and reduce illegal substance use among Clay County youth through education and awareness.

10/13/2026

There's a big difference between:

"What's wrong with you?"

and

"I've noticed you seem a little different
lately. How are you doing?"

Both may come from the same place of
concern, but they probably won't lead to
the same conversation.

When you're worried, start with what
you've actually noticed rather than what
you think might be happening. Ask a
question, give them time to answer, and
listen before jumping in with advice.

You don't need the perfect opening line.
You just need one that leaves room for
an honest answer.

10/08/2026

Have you ever noticed that your child
just seems a little different?

Maybe they're quieter than usual,
spending time with different friends,
struggling at school, or losing interest in
something they used to enjoy.

Those changes are worth paying
attention to, but they don't always tell
you what's going on.

This month, we're talking about what
comes next when you notice a change.
Pay attention, ask questions, listen to
what they have to say, and try not to
assume you already know the reason.

You don't have to have all the answers.
You just have to be willing to start the
conversation.

Notice. Listen. Connect

10/06/2026

A change in behavior can be a sign that
something is going on, but it doesn't
necessarily tell you what.

Maybe your teen has been sleeping more,
their grades have changed, they're
spending time with different friends, or
they just haven't seemed like themselves
lately.

There could be a lot behind those
changes, from stress and relationships to
school, mental health, or substance use.

Rather than trying to figure it out on
your own, check in.

Try something simple like, "I've noticed
you seem a little different lately. How are
you doing?"

Then give them a chance to answer. You
may learn more by listening than you
would by guessing.

09/28/2026

🧠 The Facts Matter

As teens become more independent,
friends and social experiences can play an
important role in the choices they make.
That can include decisions about alcohol,
ni****ne, ma*****na, opioids, and other
substances.

That’s why prevention conversations
matter before a young person is faced
with pressure to make a decision.

💬 Try This:
Ask your teen: “What would you do if
someone offered you a substance?”

Listen to their answer without
immediately correcting or judging. Use
the conversation as an opportunity to
share accurate information, talk through
different situations, and help them feel
prepared to make healthy choices.

The goal isn't to make every decision for
them. It's to help them think through the
choices before they're in the moment.

Source: National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH)

09/22/2026

Let's be honest. Most of us weren't
experts at decision-making when we
were teenagers.

That's why understanding today's teens
matters.

Young people are navigating experiences,
relationships, social pressure, and choices
while their brains are still developing.

Instead of asking only:
"Why would they do that?"

Try asking:
"What might be influencing this decision?"

Understanding doesn't mean excusing
risky behavior.

It gives us a better starting point for
prevention.

👇 Which answer sounds most like your
teenage years?

09/17/2026

Teenagers are learning how to make
decisions while their brains are still
developing.

That doesn't mean teens can't make
good decisions.

It means trusted adults have an
important opportunity to help them
understand risks, ask questions, consider
consequences, and make informed
choices.

When it comes to substance use, the
facts matter.

09/15/2026

The facts can give young people the
confidence to advocate for themselves.

This student shared why understanding
the risks of substance use matters to
them.

When young people have accurate
information, they can better understand
the choices in front of them, recognize
potential risks, and make decisions that
support their health and future.

That's what The Facts. Your Future. is
about: giving young people the
knowledge they need to make informed
choices.

Their voice matters. Their future
matters. The facts matter.

09/10/2026

What does brain development have to do
with substance use?

A lot.

Adolescence is a period of significant
brain development, making it an
important time to talk honestly with
young people about the risks of alcohol
and other substances.

Our free Inside the Teen Brain resource
helps parents and caregivers understand:
🧠 How the teen brain develops
🧠 Why risk and rewards can influence
decisions
🧠 How substance use can affect the
developing brain
🧠 How adults can start meaningful
conversations

Download the free resource at
rebrand.ly/cx4sukz

09/09/2026

When talking with a teen about alcohol
or other substances, it can be tempting
to do all the talking.

Try asking questions instead.
💬 What have you heard about it?
💬 What do you think could happen?
💬 Why do you think some people
choose to use it?
💬 What would you do if someone
offered it to you?

The goal isn't to scare your teen or
lecture them.

It's to create an opportunity for them to ask
questions, hear accurate information,
and practice thinking through decisions.

The Facts. Your Future. emphasizes giving
young people the facts they need
to make informed choices.

Start the conversation before there is a
problem to solve.

09/08/2026

For teens, the social or rewarding part of
a decision can sometimes feel more
important than the potential consequences.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
notes that adolescent brain development
and the importance of peer relationships
can contribute to greater risk-taking.

That matters when we're talking about
substance use.A young person may hear:
"It's just one time.""Everyone else is doing it."
"It can't really hurt me."

This is why prevention can't rely on
simply saying "don't do it."

Young people need the facts behind the
decision so they can understand the
potential consequences and make
informed choices.

That's the idea behind The Facts. Your
Future.: Just Say No... and Here's Why.

Address

Orange Park, FL
32073

Telephone

+19042726413

Website

http://www.clayactioncoalition.org/

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