Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Winter 1-26-2026
Abstract
Goal Statement
The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to design a collaborative, community-level primary prevention program for adolescents in the Little Elm, Denton County, Texas area to mitigate the mental health and cognitive risks associated with THC use while strengthening protective factors across the entire community (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2018; Smith, 2024; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2025).
Significant Findings
The Little Elm, Denton County, Texas area is an area of growth and development that also faces the need for mental health professionals, especially with the current situation of THC use with adolescents (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2025). THC products, vapes, and edibles are a concern, with nearly 19% of Texas high schoolers reporting vaping use (Texas State University System, 2026). These products increase adolescent risks for cognitive impairment and long-term psychiatric conditions such as psychosis (National Cancer Institute, 2005). Research indicates that while structural barriers, such as high retailer density (approximately 9,000 in Texas) and the different intriguing flavors, normalize the use of THC products, there are protective factors, such as school connectedness and culturally grounded family loyalty, which can effectively shield these risks (Reese & Vera, 2007). The recommendations in this portfolio focus on transitioning from punitive disciplinary measures to evidence-based, restorative prevention models that address the social-ecological drivers of substance initiation (Collins, 2024; County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2018; Jacobs et al., 2020; Tucker, 2015; U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019; Walter, 2025).
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps
The following can be implemented to advance prevention and resilience strategies further to address THC use in Little Elm, Denton County, Texas.
Standardize the Botvin Life Skills Training curriculum within the Little Elm, Denton County, Texas area (Kilburn et al., 2014; Social Programs that Work, 2018; National Cancer Institute, 2005). This intervention will focus on building behavioral capability and self-worth to resist peer pressure, which is a primary driver of THC initiation (National Cancer Institute, 2005).
Launch a data-driven campaign to correct the everyone is doing it myth. By publicizing actual low-use statistics, counselors, trainers, and families can shift the perceived social norm, reducing the psychological pressure on non-users to conform (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2018; U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019).
Partner with communities, state and local government, recovery, and advocacy groups to establish a protocol for supporting the Little Elm, Denton County, Texas area (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2018; Collins, 2024; Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies, 2015; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n.d.; Toporek et al., 2009). This ensures that adolescents identified through prevention receive access to low-cost or free mental health counselor support to help mitigate the shortage in the Little Elm, Denton County, Texas area (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2018; Collins, 2024; Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies, 2015; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n.d.; Toporek et al., 2009).
Advocate for the replacement of suspension policies with Mental Health First diversion programs in schools (Toporek et al., 2009). This structural change will keep students connected to the school environment while providing psychoeducation on THC product use risks (Toporek et al., 2009).
Develop bilingual workshops for Hispanic families that leverage the value of family (Reese & Vera, 2007). These sessions will provide parents with the tools to discuss THC product risks in a way that aligns with family values, fostering open communication rather than fear-based reactions (Reese & Vera, 2007).
