AAIP continues the fight against underage alcohol and substance use

HOMINY, OKLA. - The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and Native American Youth Influencers (NAYI) released new videos as part of their ongoing campaign encouraging Native American youth to “Say Yes” to cultural traditions, a healthy habit or hobby, and say no to underage drinking and substance misuse.  

This joint initiative was formed to fight underage alcohol use and non-prescription use of drugs in Native American communities. The message: Native youth can improve their lives and communities when they “Say Yes” to something bigger than themselves. 

“My culture gives me so much: dancing, friendships and the chance to be me,” said T.J. Tanyan, a recent high school grad who is affiliated with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation and Blackfeet Nation of Montana. "That’s why I say no to drugs and alcohol, so I can say yes to a future I can be proud of.” 

AAIP Executive Director Tom Anderson said reaching Native youth and encouraging them to pursue impactful habits and hobbies is essential to Native cultures. “Native youth play an important role in preserving Native culture and making sure it prospers for many generations to come,” said Anderson. “This campaign aims to reach these youth and ensure our communities have the opportunity to continue to thrive.” 

World Teen Mental Wellness Day is observed on March 2 every year and is recognized as a way raise awareness about the mental health issues that today’s teenagers face daily. AAIP is joining the cause through their campaign to help educate others on the correlation between mental health issues and alcohol and substance use in teens.  

The campaign relaunched ahead of World Teen Mental Wellness Day, which is on Mar. 2nd, to help destigmatize the issues today’s teens face with mental health challenges and raise awareness about the close ties between mental health and substance use in teens. 

According to Mental Health America, 50% of all people who will have a mental health disorder in their lifetime start to experience symptoms by age 14. Additionally, a study of 10,000 adolescents in 2016 found that two-thirds of those who developed alcohol or substance abuse disorders had experienced at least one mental health disorder.  

Underage drinking is associated with various negative consequences for children and can affect and endanger the lives of those around them. According to SAMSHA, students who avoid alcoholic beverages are more likely to have higher grade point averages and youth who play sports experience less anxiety and depression. 

Engaging in productive activities allows Native youth to prosper and act as culture bearers, which ultimately helps their communities thrive. 

To learn more about the “Say Yes” initiative, visit sayyesaaip.org.  

About AAIP 

 In 1971, fourteen American Indian and Alaska Native physicians endeavored to improve the overall health of their communities and the Association of American Indian Physicians was born. Today, hundreds of licensed and practicing physicians nationwide are committed to that same mission. AAIP pursues excellence in Native American health care by advocating education in the health sciences and honoring traditional healing principles. In addition, AAIP members directly address widely acknowledged disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native health. For more information about the Association of American Indian Physicians, see aaip.org.  

About Native American Youth Influencers (NAYI) and Osage Partnership for Prevention (OPP) 

Native American Youth Influencers (NAYI) — previously known as Osage Partnership for Prevention (OPP) — is a joint substance abuse prevention initiative between the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) and the Osage Nation. The initiative connects the long-standing expertise of AAIP and the resiliency of the Osage Nation to reduce underage drinking and non-medical use of prescription drugs among 1,500 to 2,000 Native youth in the Osage Tribal Jurisdiction. 

About SAMSHA 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.