One Choice
How Choosing Health Matters in Genesee County
The Genesee County Prevention Coalition (GCPC) is proud to support the One Choice initiative, a data-driven, youth-led prevention message developed by the Institute for Behavior and Health. This initiative promotes the health standard of no use of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs by youth under 21, emphasizing that youth substance use is not inevitable and that making One Choice leads to healthier outcomes.
Statistics Spotlight
Key findings from the most recent Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MIPHY) survey, show that most middle and high school students are NOT using drugs and alcohol.*
Alcohol
Marijuana
Cigarettes
Prescription Drugs
Vaping
- Stats for middle schoolers were even higher, with 94.8% to 98% of surveyed students reporting that they did NOT use drugs and alcohol.
- According to those surveyed, more than 8.5 out of 10 high-schoolers did NOT use drugs and alcohol in the past 30 days
- Most youths make the choice to stay drug- and alcohol-free, respect parental disapproval, discourage friends' use, value their school and mentors, and prioritize healthy decisions.
*Of those students surveyed.
Source: 2024 Genesee County MIPHYWhy Once Choice Matters
All Substance Use Is Related
Research shows that using one substance often leads to the use of others. Preventing all substance use during adolescence is critical to avoiding future addiction risks.
The Developing Brain Is Uniquely Vulnerable
The adolescent brain is still developing until the mid-20s, making it more susceptible to the harmful effects of substance use. Avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and drugs helps protect cognitive function, memory, and decision-making skills.
Youth Substance Use Is Not Inevitable
Contrary to common misconceptions, many teens choose not to use alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs. The more youth hear positive, science-backed messages about prevention, the more likely they are to make healthy choices.
One Choice Works
Prevention messaging and community efforts help youth stay substance-free.
How to Support Youth in Making One Choice
For Parents & Caregivers:
- Have open conversations with your teens about substance risks.
- Set clear expectations and model healthy behaviors.
- Use prevention resources, like the One Choice Prevention Toolkit.
For Educators & Community Leaders:
- Integrate One Choice messaging into health education programs.
- Use data-driven prevention tools to inform and engage youth.
- Work with local youth advocates to spread peer-led prevention messages.
Join the One Choice Movement
The GCPC invites individuals, schools, organizations, and community leaders to join the One Choice Community. By working together, we can normalize substance non-use and support young people in making healthier choices.
Learn more & get involved:
One Choice Prevention
GCPC Prevention Portal
Together, we can make a lasting impact and help Genesee County youth choose health, success, and a substance-free future.
I Am One Mosaic Tiles
Empower local youth to make their One Choice! Schools and youth-serving organizations in Genesee County can request these tiles free of charge to inspire and engage students in this important initiative.
