LISBON — Getting youth involved and giving them a sense of value in their community curbs risky behavior and a county effort is working to do just that.

Melissa Galbreath, CASH (Coordinated Action for School Health) Coalition Coordinator at the Columbiana County Educational Service Center, said that the CASH Coalition will soon be launching a “You Matter Here” campaign.

The campaign was formed in response to results of the Search Institute’s Attitudes and Behaviors Survey which is conducted every two years.

Galbreath said the coalition has participated in the survey since 2000 and another one is slated to be conducted in 2026.

The survey gathers feedback on five specific data points, some of which are whether a young person feels like they matter in their community, if they feel supported by their parents, and if they feel important to their family.

“We know through research that with more protective factors in place it is less likely they are going to engage in risk taking behaviors,” Galbreath said.

She added that the coalition was fortunate enough to receive funding in the form of a grant a few years ago from the Appalachian Children Coalition that was put toward launching a data analysis and marketing campaign.

Local residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate by sharing positive messages, supporting youth activities, and helping create spaces where youth feel connected and included.

The coalition is currently in talks with school districts throughout the Columbiana County to participate in “You Matter Here.”

“What we are doing currently is having a lot of discussion with school districts–including students–to get their voice in choices in activities, opportunities, and experiences,” she said.

The coalition is also in communication with the ESC’s Business Advisory Council which includes students that will provide input on ways to get youth involved in schools and communities.

“No matter what area you serve in Columbiana County, if you’re a parent, community member, business owner, this is all attainable. We can all make youth feel like they are included in the community and give them the opportunities,” Galbreath said.

She also said that the majority of school districts in the county are interested in the campaign so far and that meetings are ongoing.

“Everyone is interested and bought in and wanting to launch this in their own capacities,” she said.

Exactly what the opportunities will be is yet to be determined as the campaign and schools will gather feedback from the youth.

Some options are student-led projects, school and community events, and also opportunities for adults to engage in through mentoring, volunteering, and youth-centered programs.

The coalition is distributing a logo throughout the county to raise awareness of the “You Matter Here” campaign and Galbreath said youth also had a say in that design.

Galbreath said the idea was to find something with a common language that would also grab attention.

“We hope this a common language throughout Columbiana County, that you can see this logo and see this message in different areas, whether that is convenience stores, businesses, schools, community, parks. We are hoping that logo is pretty common and really gets spread pretty widely,” she said.

The survey conducted next year will help the coalition see how the campaign is working.

Specifically, it will show if youth have had access to positive adult role models and access to creative activities outside of school, in addition to how “You Matter Here” has impacted the local culture.

“You Matter Here is more than a slogan–it’s a commitment to our young people. When young people feel that they matter, they’re more likely to make safe, healthy decisions and become active contributors to their communities. We want every young person in Columbiana County to know that they are valued, cared for, and have a voice in shaping their community. This is a movement that, whatever role you have in the community, you can positively impact a child’s life,” Galbreath said.

For more information or to learn how your business or organization can get involved, contact Melissa Galbreath at mgalbreath@ccesc.k12.oh.us or visit www.ccesc.k12.oh.us

The CASH Coalition is a volunteer collective of health and social service professionals across Columbiana County who champion whole-child, whole-school wellness. The Coalition was founded in 1995 and continues to support the Coordinated School Health model as a basis for student and community improvement.