Capella FPX 4055 Assessment 1

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Health Promotion Plan

Adolescent Substance Use in Rowan County

Substance misuse among adolescents aged 12 to 18 has critical implications for their physical, mental, and social development. This health promotion initiative specifically targets youth residing in Rowan County, North Carolina, with a primary focus on the towns of Landis and Salisbury. The objective is to lower substance use rates among this age group by raising awareness of potential risks, enhancing education, teaching healthy coping mechanisms, and linking adolescents to local support resources.

Community Demographics and Influencing Factors

Adolescent substance abuse continues to be a pressing issue within Rowan County. While the population predominantly consists of white families, teens in the area face similar social and emotional challenges experienced nationwide—such as economic instability, familial stress, and limited access to mental health services. The 2019 American Community Survey highlighted that the county’s median household income was \$49,842, with food insecurity affecting 22% of residents. Moreover, only 5.6% of individuals under 19 had access to free healthcare services during that time (Rowan County, 2021). These figures underscore significant barriers to receiving adequate support, particularly due to limited transportation, financial constraints, and stigma associated with seeking care.

Local data specific to teen substance use remains limited, often relying on broader national statistics. Nonetheless, the estimated local usage rate is 47.1%, with trends indicating increasing drug use among youth in rural settings (Rowan County, 2021). These findings reveal an urgent need for tailored, culturally sensitive education and prevention strategies that respond to the community’s unique needs and barriers.

Community Profile and Relation to Adolescent Needs

Characteristics of the Target Population

The intended audience for this health promotion plan comprises adolescents aged 12 to 18 living in Rowan County, a predominantly rural region located in North Carolina’s Piedmont area. Similar to other rural counties, Rowan experiences multiple systemic barriers that hinder youth development—particularly regarding substance use. Adolescents living in low-income households are at greater risk due to reduced access to health and social services, employment opportunities, and mental health care.

Local schools often lack adequate funding to implement effective prevention and education programs. Limited public transportation further complicates access to essential services, especially behavioral health support designed for youth. As a result, many teenagers experience isolation and psychological stress, increasing their vulnerability to substance misuse. Education attainment levels are also lower in this region, narrowing opportunities for socioeconomic improvement and resilience building.

These concerns reflect broader patterns of adolescent substance use observed throughout rural North Carolina and across the U.S. According to the Rural Health Information Hub (2024), youth in rural regions face a heightened risk of substance use due to scarce preventive programs and healthcare resources. Therefore, understanding local obstacles can guide the creation of more impactful health promotion strategies tailored to adolescent needs.

Substance Abuse Prevention Significance

Addressing Local Health Risks

Substance use among Rowan County adolescents poses considerable threats to individual health and community well-being. Consistent with national findings, youth in rural areas like Rowan are more likely to experiment with or develop dependencies on alcohol and drugs compared to their urban peers (Lee et al., 2024). Early use can contribute to academic struggles, risky behaviors, co-occurring mental health conditions, and chronic illness in adulthood.

Socioeconomic disparities, family instability, and limited access to health education contribute to elevated substance use rates in the region. Although comprehensive data on local teen use is scarce, existing evidence shows that structural challenges—such as lack of culturally appropriate care and trained mental health professionals—exacerbate these risks. Stigma and mistrust in healthcare systems further discourage adolescents from seeking help (Mardani et al., 2023).

Effective prevention requires combining education, peer support, and community engagement. Programs designed to reflect local values and experiences in towns like Landis and Salisbury are more likely to resonate with youth. Respectful and inclusive promotion strategies can empower teens to make informed decisions, develop coping skills, and foster a healthier, more resilient community.

SMART Health Goals for Substance Abuse Prevention

Case-Based Planning and Evaluation

Jason Miller, a 14-year-old from Landis, serves as a case example to inform the design of prevention strategies. Jason’s family recently experienced a separation, leading him to feelings of isolation and experimentation with substances. Noticing changes in his behavior and academic performance, school staff connected Jason to a local youth program that offers counseling and preventive services. This situation illustrates the need for goal-driven, evidence-based interventions to support vulnerable teens.

The following SMART goals were developed to structure a one-hour educational session for adolescents like Jason. These goals aim to improve knowledge, encourage open communication, and teach coping techniques. Session outcomes will be measured through pre- and post-surveys to assess effectiveness.

SMART Goals Table

SMART Goal	Description
Goal 1: Increase Risk Awareness	Specific: By session end, 85% of participants (including Jason) will identify four health risks associated with substance use (e.g., addiction, mental illness, academic decline, accidents). Measurable: A post-session quiz will assess comprehension. Achievable: Delivered through visual media, discussions, and group activities. Relevant: Builds foundational knowledge for informed choices. Time-bound: Assessed immediately after the one-hour session.
Goal 2: Encourage Dialogue	Specific: At least 60% of participants will report intent to engage in at least one discussion about substance use with peers, family, or staff. Measurable: Tracked through survey responses. Achievable: Reinforced with role-playing and handouts. Relevant: Strengthens support networks. Time-bound: Evaluated at session conclusion.
Goal 3: Teach Coping Skills	Specific: Participants will learn and demonstrate two stress-reduction techniques (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness). Measurable: Confidence and skill application will be assessed via survey. Achievable: Practiced during the session with guidance. Relevant: Promotes healthier alternatives to substance use. Time-bound: Measured at the end of the session.

Conclusion

Adolescent substance abuse in Rowan County is a multifaceted issue requiring culturally informed, community-based solutions. This health promotion plan addresses the specific needs of local youth by enhancing risk awareness, fostering open communication, and building essential life skills. Tailored interventions, grounded in the region’s unique demographic and socioeconomic challenges, can significantly reduce substance use and improve overall adolescent well-being. With consistent engagement, educational programming, and local support, young people in Rowan County can be empowered to make healthier choices and build resilient futures.

References

Lee, G., Hicks, D. L., Kedia, S., Regmi, S., & Mou, X. (2024). Mental health problems, substance use, and perceived risk as pathways to current cannabis use among high school seniors in the United States. Children and Youth Services Review, 158, 107456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107456

Mardani, M., Alipour, F., Rafiey, H., Khoshknab, M. F., & Arshi, M. (2023). Challenges in addiction-affected families: A systematic review of qualitative studies. BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04927-1