SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - The Shasta County Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive youth substance use prevention initiative, allocating opioid litigation settlement funds to launch a countywide campaign starting in August of 2025.

The initiative, led by the Community Opioid Response and Education (CORE), is a collaborative effort among Youth Options, Raising Shasta, Columbia School District Superintendent Clay Ross, and Shasta County Amanda Faith to combat substance use among local youth.

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has committed $1.25 million for the first year, with an additional $1 million allocated for both the second and third year of the initiative.

Biannual reports will help track progress, ensuring the initiative's effectiveness in protecting Shasta County's youth. Details are forthcoming in a future contract which will return to the Board of Supervisors in the near future for approval.

"This is an unprecedented collaboration between organizations that are already doing great work individually," said Kevin Crye, the Chair of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors. "By joining forces, we can close service gaps and provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to prevention."

Residents of Shasta County are encouraged to stay engaged and help support local youth by participating in these efforts. Those looking for additional information regarding the CORE presentation and budget can access it here .