RAYSAC (Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition)

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Over-the-counter does not mean risk-free. Always follow the label.

09/08/2026

Reminder: Our regularly scheduled coalition meeting will not be occurring this Thursday at the usual time. Instead, please join us for the 2026 Prevention Roundtable on 9/25 from 9am-12 noon at the Greenfield Center in Daleville, Va.

This event is open to anyone with an interest in substance abuse and risky behavior prevention science, particularly those working with rural communities and populations.

More info and QR code to register below!

08/26/2026

Come out and see us at Taubman Museum of Art until 7pm tonight during the Overdose Awareness Night event!

08/26/2026

Overdose can happen with prescription opioids, illicit opioids, or when opioids are mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Knowing the risks and taking medications only as prescribed can help prevent overdose. Learn more about overdose prevention: samhsa.gov/opioids

08/25/2026

In honor of Dolly Parton, here is an article on the protective and learning benefits of reading often to young children.

Reading and good literacy are protective factors that can reduce the chances of a youth turning to substance abuse later in life.

R.I.P. Dolly

When you read with children, they connect the words they hear to the pictures on the page and things in their world. Learn why story time is important for children’s brain development.

08/25/2026

Our upcoming Prevention Roundtable on 9/25 aims to tackle this very subject. Rural health centers and schools are often left to tackle complex prevention topics and issues without very many resources.

We are planning to bring our coalition of providers, organizations, and local government agencies to discuss how we can better reach rural youth and support the schools and agencies that are already using creative methods to tackle these issues!

Register today to attend: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026preventionroundtable

08/25/2026

Overdose is preventable. During , learn to recognize the signs of overdose, how to respond with naloxone and nalmefene, and how to support people on their recovery journey. samhsa.gov/overdose-reversal

08/25/2026

Reducing risk factors such as food insecurity, loneliness, and negative peer pressure, while growing protective factors such as active mentors, good nutrition and exercise, and positive friendships prevents substance misuse!

It's not a one time conversation. It's showing up everyday for a youth in your life!

Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, society. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/prevention-month

08/24/2026

It's time to start planning! RAYSAC will be conducting our school contests again this year! Schools be on the lookout for registration details in your inbox soon! We're so excited to see what you have in store!

The 2026 theme has been announced. Now it’s time to help schools, families, and communities turn the message into action.

Start planning now!