Sources of Strength has a deep evidence base in suicide prevention, but its impact goes far beyond that. Schools across the country use Sources of Strength to promote well-being in many ways, including preventing substance misuse like vaping. By empowering students, fostering resilience, and encouraging positive peer influence, the program offers a proactive approach to addressing substance use.
In Moorhead, Minnesota, the community has embraced this powerful prevention model to make a lasting impact. Recent data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey showed that 18% of Clay County students reported vaping in the past 30 days. By using Sources of Strength, Moorhead Area Public Schools are taking a proactive approach to reduce substance misuse and strengthen student support systems.
Strengthening Protective Factors
Rather than relying solely on scare tactics, Sources of Strength focuses on fostering protective factors that support student well-being. By empowering peer leaders to share positive messages and model healthy choices, the program creates a culture of support and encouragement. This proactive approach is a powerful way to prevent vaping and other forms of substance misuse.
“We need to be aware of our protective factors, we need to strengthen them so when we hit bumps in our lives, we can fall back on those protective factors to help us get through the bumps,” said Amy Riccio, the homeless liaison for Moorhead Area Public Schools.
Positive Messaging That Resonates
Rather than focusing on punitive messaging like “Don’t vape,” Sources of Strength encourages phrases like “Stay strong, stay healthy.” This subtle but impactful shift in messaging empowers students to make better choices and support their peers. Positive campaigns like “Drive Safe” instead of “Don’t Drink and Drive” resonate across social groups, encouraging inclusive conversations about well-being.
A Model for Other Communities
With similar programs already active in places like Grand Forks, other districts are beginning to see the value in implementing Sources of Strength. Schools interested in addressing vaping and substance misuse can look to Moorhead’s example for inspiration. By centering connection, resilience, and peer leadership, communities can create lasting change.
Parents Play a Vital Role
Experts also emphasize the importance of open conversations at home. Sharing personal experiences, even those that may be uncomfortable, helps build trust and reduces stigma around discussing substance use. As Jason McCoy, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator at Clay County Public Health, highlighted, authentic conversations can lead to prevention and early intervention.
Learn More
Interested in how your school can implement a Sources of Strength program to combat vaping and substance misuse? Visit Sources of Strength to learn more about training, resources, and success stories. Contact us & Book a Call
By celebrating the success of Moorhead Area Public Schools, we can inspire other communities to follow suit and create a future where students thrive, free from the harmful effects of substance misuse.
This blog was inspired by Sydney Zatz’s article, “Moorhead Area Public Schools Work to Combat Teenage Drug Use,” published on Valley News Live. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2025/03/13/moorhead-schools-helps-combat-teenage-drug-use/