Virtual We Are The Majority Rally May 7 to Raise Awareness that Mindset Matters

Special Guests Gov. Mike DeWine, Design Expert & TV Host Bobby Berk

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Prevention Action Alliance announces the 10^th annual We Are The Majority Rally Friday, May 7 at 5 p.m. to celebrate its commitment to making healthy choices and strengthening mental health and wellness despite the upheavals caused by COVID-19.

The We Are The Majority Rally has empowered thousands of teens from across Ohio to celebrate and raise awareness about the fact that the majority of youth do not use drugs or alcohol. This year, the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN) at Prevention Action Alliance has made the event virtual once again to combat the spread of COVID-19 while still celebrating its theme of “Mindset Matters.”

“Teens should watch the rally because it’s fun,” said Luke, an OYPLN Advisory Council Member. “They will know it’s OK to say no to drugs and alcohol, and how to learn healthy coping skills.”

Special guests this year include: Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Director Lori Criss, and a very special guest, Bobby Berk, design expert and host of Netflix’s Queer Eye. Once again, Miss Ohio High School America 2020 and OYLPN Youth Council member Jade Eilers will be the emcee of the rally.

PAA Executive Director Fran Gerbig pointed out that in times like this it’s important to promote the health and wellness of young people both physically and mentally.

“We know that the majority of teens don’t engage in unhealthy behaviors, but it’s still a pressing issue,” Gerbig said. “Because of COVID-19, many teens this past year have lost connections to their friends that they relied on for communication and emotional support, as well as access to activities that helped them to cope.

“Having a positive mindset to make healthy decisions does matter for mental health and well-being. The rally will help bring together young people, give them an online opportunity to interact with others, and share coping skills and strategies they can use to protect themselves while life and school begin to normalize. It’s more important than ever for teens to celebrate their healthy life choices,” Gerbig said.

The We Are The Majority Rally was made possible with financial support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. For more information on how to watch the rally, visit www.preventionactionalliance.org/watm and  sign up for updates.

Prevention Action Alliance is a certified prevention agency leading the way in promoting healthy lives through the prevention of substance abuse and fostering mental health wellness for 30 years. PAA is nationally recognized for building networks that empower communities to create safe and healthy environments. For more information, visit preventionactionalliance.org.

Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network is a joint venture between Prevention Action Alliance and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. OYLPN builds and expands partnerships between youth-led substance abuse prevention programs to develop and strengthen prevention efforts at the state and local levels.