Building a healthier Henrico for our youth
Henrico Too Smart 2 Start is a 501(c)3 coalition dedicated to reducing youth substance misuse in Henrico County through education, advocacy, and capacity building.
Our vision
To create a community where all individuals and families are healthy and safe.
Our mission
Promote health and wellness in Henrico County with a primary focus on reducing youth substance misuse through education, advocacy and capacity building.
Our approach
Employing the Strategic Prevention Framework and seven key environmental strategies to drive county-wide change in Henrico.
The 3 pillars of prevention
Education
We provide education for parents on how to recognize the signs of substance use and effective ways to communicate with their children about the risks. Additionally, we educate young people about the dangers of substance use, how to identify risky situations, and ways to develop refusal and coping skills.
Advocacy
We advocate for youth by elevating the voices of youth and parents to lawmakers, promoting safe norms, pushing for more mental health resources, partnering with schools and community leaders, and sharing prevention resources and policy information.
Capacity building
We are committed to creating a lasting impact in our community by training community partners and volunteers, strengthening coalition collaboration, collecting and using data to inform our areas of focus, expanding resources and programs, and connecting families to these resources.
Over two decades of community work
What began as a Henrico Mental Health initiative has grown into a county-wide 501(c)3 coalition with dedicated staff and a broad network of community partners.
Read the full story →HTS2S goals
Advocacy
Promote legislation to reduce youth access to substances and allocate significant resources to prevention in Virginia.
capacity building
Increase capacity building to strengthen initiatives reducing youth substance use in the Greater Richmond area.
Awareness
Raise community-wide awareness through events, media campaigns, retail partnerships, and school programs.
Sustainability
Ensure the long-term viability of HTS2S coalition initiatives, partnerships, and prevention efforts.
Meet our board
Guided by community leaders from across Henrico County and the Greater Richmond area.
Make a difference in Henrico
Join our coalition or support our mission with a donation.