Start Talking! Building a Drug Free Future

The Start Talking! program encourages age-appropriate conversations with children, early and often during their lives and provides information to educate parents on this issue and empower them to have these conversations.

While these conversations can sometimes be challenging or uncomfortable to begin, it is critical to open the door to these discussions early and tackle the tough topics with our kids. Updated in the summer of 2021, Start Talking! has been expanded to incorporate more mental health topics and relevant issues Ohio families are facing. The evolution of this public health crisis and challenges presented by COVID-19 created the need for new and updated resources that families can access where they are, when they need them. The program includes free tips on how to start the conversation, signs and symptoms that your child might need additional support, and how to seek professional assistance when needed.