As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand the connection between your teen’s mental health and potential for substance use. Staying connected can reduce their risk for drug use.
Ohio PTA is happy to share that the Free Mind website has resources and tools for parents and caregivers to get informed like youth drug use stats, facts about substances, and even a digital card game, Facts & Feels, to help start the conversation.
You can also hear from panelists at a recent Athletes for Hope event held at Dillard Drive Magnet Middle School in North Carolina. Professional athletes Chasity Melvin and Kamren (Kam) Larsen shared personal stories and relatable insights into mental health, coping strategies, and substance use to help foster early, judgment-free conversations and to equip parents and caregivers with tools and support. 

 

UPDATED SCHOLARSHIP DUE DATE 

Ohio PTA has extended the deadline for Scholarship applications to March 16th due to numerous weather related school closures.

Electronic applications must be submitted by March 16th, and paper applications must be postmarked by March 16th and addressed to the Ohio PTA office. Faxed applications will NOT be accepted. PLEASE, one application per student.

 🎯 Help Ohio Students Share Their Voice

Youth Gambling Survey Now Open

Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG), in partnership with the Ohio PTA, invites students across Ohio to participate in the 2026 Youth Gambling Survey — a short, anonymous statewide survey designed to better understand youth attitudes and experiences related to gaming and gambling.

We’re asking teachers, parents, and coaches, to help share this opportunity with students in grades 9–12. Participation takes less than 10 minutes, is completely anonymous, and will help shape future education and prevention programs that highlight the importance of youth gambling prevention.

🖥️ How to Participate
• Students can complete the survey online at Youth Gambling Survey 2026
• Open to all Ohio students in grades 9–12
• No personal information collected
• Survey open through March 16th 

💡 Why It Matters
As sports betting, online gaming, and other forms of gambling become more visible, it’s important to understand how these trends may impact young people. The insights gained from this survey will help inform statewide prevention efforts led by Ohio for Responsible Gambling’s Change the Game Ohio campaign — a program dedicated to raising awareness about youth gaming and gambling behaviors.

📢 Spread the Word
Help us reach more students by sharing this announcement in your school newsletters, team updates, or community networks. Together, we can build a safer, more informed future for Ohio’s youth.

For more information, visit ChangeTheGameOhio.org or contact:
Nicole Lesnick at president@ohiopta.org