“The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) used supplemental funding to its annual Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Substance Abuse Block Grant funding to launch the “Talk Heals” public awareness campaign to reduce substance misuse among youth in the state.

“Talk Heals” is a campaign that encourages youth to talk to trusted people in their lives, using emojis and familiar scenarios in youth culture to effectively communicate relevant messaging with youth on platforms they use (social media, streaming apps, etc.) that they themselves would be likely to share with their peers. 

The campaign includes TV, outdoor, and online ads that encourage youth to talk to a trusted person in their lives rather than use substances to cope with life’s stressors and mental health challenges. According to AHCCCS, “Talk Heals” highlights the connection between mental health and substance use and provides education and resources for youth to use and promotes coping strategies and self-care in place of substance use.”

Read further from State of Reform (USA, November 2022)

Visit https://talkheals.org/