At a glance
The Fairfield Heritage Prevention Coalition in Ohio empowers youth leaders to educate each other in interactive group sessions. Youth start their presentations by sharing a real-life observation then pivot to discussing the health risks, addictive nature, and legal implications of substance use.
A pastor puts his faith in prevention
Michael Olaniyan is the pastor at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), King's Court Parish in Fairfield, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. In this role, he supports families whose children were negatively impacted by being in social settings where peers were using substances. Local survey data identified key areas of concern, including normalization of vaping, flavored THC product use, and initiation of alcohol consumption among middle school students.
When Dr. Ben Njoku Linkz, a leader in RCCG, who had worked in prevention for several years, proposed working together to apply for the DFC grant in 2024, Michael was on board. The Fairfield Heritage Prevention Coalition (FHPC) was already a longstanding commitment from the church and community leaders to support youth development and substance use prevention. After successfully competing for DFC funding, the coalition could have additional structure, resources, and financial sustainability. Coalition leaders could expand the coalition's reach, strengthen partnerships, and promote evidence-based prevention strategies.
Equipping church staff with proven strategies
Integrating evidence-based prevention strategies into grassroots, faith-based engagement is one of FHPC's superpowers. The coalition trains pastors, youth ministers, and other community leaders and equips them with tools to discuss substance use prevention openly in ways that resonate with the local community. They learn how to weave prevention messages into sermons, Bible study lessons, and youth group activities. Through quarterly sessions, FHPC has trained more than 60 facilitators in their prevention programming.
Coalition members take pride in their youth-led, peer-to-peer presentation series in faith-based settings.
These presentations cover the risks of vaping, marijuana use, and underage drinking. Unlike adult-led lectures, youth-led sessions use language, scenarios, and examples that resonate with teenagers. They use interactive polling, play short video clips, and moderate small group discussions to keep participants engaged. By the end of each session, participants have a clearer understanding of the risks of using substances and feel empowered to resist peer pressure and support friends in making healthy choices.
One youth participant shared: "Hearing it from someone my age made it real. It didn't feel like a lecture—it felt like a conversation."
Peer-led efforts have strengthened youth confidence, increased awareness of substance use risks, and fostered a culture of accountability and support. There have been six peer-led sessions in 2026 as of June.
Looking forward: expanding reach with partnerships
The coalition partners with the YMCA and other local faith-based organizations to host programs in venues that are centrally located and familiar to families. FHPC also works closely with local leaders to adapt prevention materials and ensure that messaging resonates with the diverse populations of Fairfield. Dr. Annabel Akakuru, one of the prevention leaders of the coalition, describes their strategy: "Prevention is most effective when it meets young people where they are—within their families, their schools, and their faith communities. By equipping trusted leaders with the right tools, we are building a network of support that empowers youth to make informed, healthy choices."
Going forward, the coalition is exploring grant opportunities to enhance transportation and accessibility so that more community members can participate in the events that they offer.
Pastor Mike shares, "FHPC remains encouraged by the growth and engagement of the youth we serve. We are proud of what we have accomplished as a coalition and remain inspired and motivated to continue impacting the next generation. We are excited about the future we are building together."