WestCare Pacific Islands and Thrive Coalition propose a methamphetamine information, prevention, and leadership development program for youth in Guam. - WestCare Pacific Islands, Inc. proposes a coordinated, island-wide methamphetamine prevention initiative led by the Thrive Coalition and the applicant to reduce youth methamphetamine use and strengthen community capacity to respond to substance use concerns in Guam. The project uses an evidence-based, multisector prevention strategy grounded in SMAHSA’s Talk. They Hear You. framework and the Strategic Prevention Framework to expand access to culturally responsive prevention information, youth engagement opportunities, school-based supports, and community outreach. Its purpose is to change the culture and context around youth methamphetamine use by improving awareness, building protective factors, and increasing connections to prevention and support resources across the island. CARA Guam organizes implementation around two major goals. Goal 1 focuses on reducing and preventing methamphetamine use among Guam youth by increasing access to prevention resources through the launch of the Guam Methamphetamine Prevention Resource Hub, middle school-based Thriving Stations, youth-focused prevention materials, and ongoing information-sharing through Coalition networks, social media, and community outreach. Goal 2 focuses on changing the culture and context regarding the acceptability of methamphetamine use by strengthening collaboration among DFC sectors, engaging youth representatives in prevention planning, conducting community education and listening sessions, building partner referral networks, and implementing paid advertising and public awareness campaigns. The expected outcomes move from immediate reach to sustained community impact. In the first project Year, CARA expects to launch the Resource Hub, reach at least 500 unique users and 1,000 page views, establish Thriving Stations, and increase access to prevention information and knowledge of where to find services. The project also aims to conduct at least four community education and engagement activities, reach at least 1,000 community members with prevention messages, and actively engage representatives from the 12 required DFC sectors and at least 10 youth representatives in prevention planning and outreach. Additional outcomes include increased participation in prevention messaging, stronger coalition collaboration, greater community awareness of methamphetamine-related risks and protective factors, and improved referral and linkage to services. Thriving Stations will be located in middle schools in Agat, Barrigada, Dededo, Inarajan, Ordot, Piti, and Yigo, with the pilot site at Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School in Dededo. These stations are designed as accessible, school-based, wellness spaces near student support services and will include prevention education materials, wellness activities, resource guides, creative expression supplies, and digital wellness tools. They are intended to strengthen protective factors, reduce risk factors associated with substance use initiation, and connect students and families to mental heath and community resources. Over the longer term, CARA Guam anticipates measurable reductions in youth methamphetamine use, improved youth perception of risk, sustained access to prevention resources, and stronger community capacity to address methamphetamine-related concerns through an active, coordinated coalition network. CARA Guam is a comprehensive prevention infrastructure blending digital access, school-based supports, youth leadership, and community partnership to create lasting public heath impact.
