MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Marlboro County leaders are teaming up on a new effort to support students.
Marlboro County School District is partnering with Trinity Behavioral Health and the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office to expand prevention efforts aimed at reducing youth substance use ahead of the upcoming school year.
Leaders from the three organizations held their first joint meeting this week. They said they share a goal of addressing vaping, drug use and alcohol use through education, awareness and intervention.
Starting next school year, the district plans to roll out the research-based Too Good for Drugs prevention program in the Marlboro County High School Freshman Academy.
A school resource officer and Trinity Behavioral Health professionals will lead lessons and provide support throughout the year, the district said. The effort will include vaping awareness sessions and education on current drug trends.
District officials said they are also reviewing changes to how vaping discipline is handled, including possible after-school intervention classes that involve both students and parents.
The district plans to administer the Communities That Care Survey to students in grades 6–12 to help guide prevention strategies and supports.
All district staff will receive professional development to help identify and respond to student needs, officials said. Trinity Behavioral Health will also provide counseling and prevention services at no cost to the district.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland said the partnership will help the district implement strategies focused on prevention, education and student well-being.
Executive Director of Student Services Hazel Ellison said the initiative will take a comprehensive approach involving students, families and staff.
Sheriff Larry McNeil said the sheriff’s office will work alongside school resource officers and noted opioid relief funding that he said will help add a deputy who serves as a drug prevention officer.
The district and its partners said they will continue working together during the school year to support students, families and the community.
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