CARAs de Esperanza is a dynamic prevention program, backed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with a specific focus on the Latino youth demographic. It operates on the principle of community-centered healing practices, aiming to educate and prevent the misuse of prescription medications, opioids, and psychostimulants. The program's objectives are twofold: first, to diminish the prevalence of opioid, methamphetamine, and prescription drug misuse among Latino youth, and second, to foster a cultural shift in attitudes towards substance abuse within this community. To achieve these goals, CARAs integrates several methodologies and resources. Drawing from the Razalogia Community Outreach Framework, Jerry Telloā€™s Finding your Sacred Purpose, Rx 360 toolkits, and trauma-informed care principles, the program equips its staff with a comprehensive toolkit for engagement and intervention. By employing these approaches, CARAs empowers youth to not only resist the pressures of substance use but also become agents of change within their own lives and communities. The success of CARAs is evidenced by its implementation in various schools, including Apollo Middle School, Toltecalli High School, and Envision High School. Through multi-year engagements with these institutions, CARAs has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing substance abuse among Latino youth and reshaping the cultural landscape surrounding the acceptability of such behaviors. By addressing the root causes of substance misuse and promoting holistic healing, CARAs represents a promising model for youth-centered prevention initiatives.
Latinos, Racial Equity, Social Justice, Cultural Preservation, Health Equity, Intergenerational Education, Narrative Change, Substance Abuse Prevention