Let’s TALC (Teach, Access, Learn, Choice)

Project Theme: Opioid and Drug Addiction Prevention 

Years in Existence: 4

Target Audience and Location: Governor Thomas Johnson High School students in Frederick, MD. 

Mission: Let’s TALC offers teens opportunities for healthy stress relief and to practice informed decision-making about drugs and opioids in a supportive community. 

Project Description: Founding Scholar Diya Jha and educator Paige Spangler established Let’s TALC to raise awareness about opioid and drug addiction while fostering a supportive environment that avoids scare tactics. Through community events partnered with local businesses, Let’s TALC offers students the opportunity to learn about the impacts of drug addiction, share personal experiences, and exchange positive coping strategies. This year, the team is promoting mental health and wellness through a mix of community-building events and awareness initiatives, including World Mental Health Day activities, a student-led “Cereal + Tie Dye” event, and ongoing campus campaigns. With upcoming efforts like therapy dog visits, Narcan training, and a spring fun run, they are creating spaces for connection while actively working to reduce stigma around mental health and addiction.