Ep 24: Drug Misuse Prevention: The Cost of Looking the Other Way

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kyle Wimmer, Founder and CEO of 424 Impact to talk honestly about youth substance use, mental health, and what prevention really looks like today. Drawing from his own lived experience and years of working with teens, parents, and communities, Kyle shares what substances are most concerning right now, why many parents are unknowingly underestimating risk, and how early exposure, trauma, and mental health challenges intersect with substance use.Kyle Wimmer is a national motivational youth speaker and a teacher at Mountain Range High School in Westminster, Colorado. He uses his own 10 years of sobriety to relate and connect with youth regarding the dangers of addiction (in any form) but specifically to vape and other substances in a way that addresses prevention, intervention and recovery. He is the founder of “FOUR 24’s” which is a movement to challenge youth (or anyone for that matter) to abstain for 24 hours, 24 days, 24 weeks until eventually 24/7 free and sober of their vice. The main goal is to make April 24th the National Day of Sobriety. After hearing his presentation, over 800 vapes have been willingly turned in to him, punishment free. He has spoken numerous times on a national level via online conferences as well as at schools around the nation and has been featured in various publications.This conversation goes beyond scare tactics. We discuss:The trends parents are missingHow to have effective, age-appropriate conversations with kidsWarning signs families should not ignoreWhat actually helps reduce risk and build resilienceWhy hope and connection are essential parts of preventionWhether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers practical guidance, encouragement, and a clear call to action to help protect and support young people before a crisis occurs. About this podcastStep Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face.Who am I?Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township.  Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati.  She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s.  A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools.  She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community.