May 14, 2026
Quick recap
This meeting focused on discussing challenges and opportunities in substance use prevention services across Texas. The group addressed several key issues, including school districts discontinuing Life Skills programs mid-curriculum, concerns about SB12 requirements creating barriers to referrals, and the dramatic increase in vaping among youth. Participants shared that vaping has become the most significant substance issue, particularly among younger age groups, with flavored products and easy online access contributing to the problem. The discussion also covered challenges with tobacco compliance checks, which were transferred to prevention providers but lack adequate funding for travel expenses and follow-ups. Additionally, the group explored gaps in reaching populations before they enter treatment, with participants noting that limited funding and staff constraints prevent serving entire school districts effectively, and suggesting that transition periods between grades 6, 8, 9, and 12 represent critical points for intervention.
Next steps
Summary
Life Skills Program Discontinuation Guidance
The group discussed a situation where a school decided to discontinue their Life Skills program while they were on Lesson 6. Kail advised that based on guidance from HHSC, they should continue with the curriculum as planned, submit Curriculum Outcome Measures showing unsuccessful completion, and include notes explaining the low completion rate. Abigail shared her experience in San Antonio, noting that sometimes direct conversations with school administrators can help complete the program cycle, though success varies. Kail also mentioned that Carrie from Cenikor, their legislative affairs manager, is available to help with SB 12 and upcoming TEA meetings regarding education curriculum requirements.
SB12 Implementation Challenges Discussion
Carrie announced a meeting with TEA in mid-June to address issues with SB12, particularly regarding drug prevention. She requested feedback from participants about roadblocks encountered with SB12 implementation across different regions and school districts. Kail highlighted a specific concern about the "confidential" language in the meetings requirement, which is causing resistance from school districts due to their fear of violating mandatory reporting requirements. The group discussed using the prevention group website as an alternative platform for gathering feedback, and Noelle began asking questions about identifying gaps in prevention services and populations that are not being reached effectively.
School Prevention Services Expansion Proposal
Kendra discussed the challenges in prevention services, highlighting the limitations of their current reach due to budget constraints and staff shortages. She proposed using additional funding to make prevention services mandatory in schools, particularly targeting key transition years (6th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grades), which she identified as crucial for long-term outcomes. Kendra expressed concerns about the current strategy of providing ad-hoc presentations rather than comprehensive curriculum, questioning its effectiveness compared to systematic school-based programs.
Case Management Partnership Strategies
The group discussed gaps in case management models and the importance of partnerships in supporting students. Tiffany highlighted the need for a more comprehensive case management approach to follow through on identified needs, including treatment and social determinants of health. FBRC shared their successful collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Program and Justice of the Peace Courts, which allows for follow-up with students at school. Lisa emphasized the importance of building relationships with school personnel and partnering with community organizations like homeless and domestic violence shelters to identify and support students in need. The discussion concluded with Noelle asking about changes in substance use or risk behaviors post-COVID and how well the group has responded to these changes.
Youth Vaping and Drug Trends
The group discussed the significant increase in vaping and marijuana use among youth, particularly among middle and elementary school students. Jennifer mentioned a symposium scheduled for August that filled 200 slots in a week to address these issues, and plans to provide toolkits to school districts for parents and educators. Laura noted that while alcohol use among youth may be decreasing, it is being replaced by THC products and vaping, while FBRC highlighted the rise in dietary supplements like Kava and Ashawagandha being used to intensify effects.
Senior Marijuana Use Discussion
The group discussed increasing marijuana use among senior citizens for pain management and health issues, with concerns raised about this becoming problematic due to lack of monitoring and potential interactions with other medications. They also explored the potential use of GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptides) as a form of self-medication and their effectiveness in treating addiction, though questions remained about long-term risks and legislative considerations. The conversation concluded with a discussion about vaping trends and the state's response to substance use increases, though specific details about the state's response were not fully addressed.
Vaping Regulation and Zoning Laws
The group discussed the overlooked issue of vaping compared to the focus on fentanyl and opioids. Payal highlighted how zoning laws, particularly the lack of strong regulations, contribute to the prevalence of smoke shops, especially near schools and daycares. Laura and Noelle noted the impact of rapid population growth in Texas on local conditions and stressors. Carrie suggested that stricter regulations on businesses selling to underage individuals, similar to those for DUIs and underage drinking, could help address the issue, while acknowledging the challenges in regulating constantly changing drug formulas and implementing zoning changes at the state level.
Tobacco Compliance Inspection Challenges
The group discussed challenges with tobacco compliance inspections, where prevention specialists are required to conduct checks but face funding limitations for follow-up visits and travel expenses. Noelle suggested including legislative outreach in their September legislative day to address punishment measures for businesses selling to minors. The discussion revealed that tobacco compliance responsibilities were transferred to prevention services due to previous groups' inability to handle them, creating what Laura described as an "unfunded mandate."
Tobacco Compliance Check Challenges
The group discussed concerns about tobacco compliance checks, particularly regarding their placement within CCPs and the challenges they present. Abigail explained that the compliance checks were transferred to prevention staff because vendors were failing to meet compliance thresholds, which threatened federal funding. The team expressed concerns about the financial burden of travel for these checks, with Kail noting that the current funding may not adequately cover mileage costs. Noelle committed to discussing these concerns with HHSC before having broader conversations about the program's direction.