Student Leadership, Mental Health & Youth Drug Prevention | Episode 168 with Abigail Swartz

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Raegann McDonald sits down with Abigail Swartz, a senior at Mountain Home High School in Arkansas, to discuss youth leadership, mental health awareness, and the power of student-led drug prevention. Abigail shares how her personal experiences with family addiction and mental health challenges inspired her to get involved in prevention. As a student leader in SEED (Students Educated Against Drugs), she discusses her involvement in school initiatives, including Red Ribbon Week activities, mental health awareness projects, and peer education programs. She also highlights the importance of creating supportive environments where students feel comfortable asking for help, sharing their experiences, and becoming advocates for positive change. From overcoming stage fright to organizing a sobriety lock-in, Abigail explains how getting involved in prevention has strengthened her confidence, leadership skills, and passion for helping others. Learn how young people can make a difference in their schools and communities through peer leadership, meaningful connections, and student-driven prevention initiatives. Takeaways Empower students through peer leadership and advocacy. Promote mental health awareness and open communication. Make prevention engaging through creative school activities. Build supportive environments where students feel safe asking for help. Encourage young people to take initiative and create positive change. For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_