Truth Initiative

We’re so excited to kick off Camp Connect 2026! ⛺️

We’re bringing together youth engagement professionals – public health advocates who work with young people – from across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast to learn, connect and share ideas that strengthen youth engagement and commercial to***co prevention.

Here's to learning, collaboration and building community!
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Proud to have joined our partners yesterday to officially launch the first phase of Ohio’s statewide cannabis public education initiative, helping ensure pregnant women and women who may become pregnant have access to clear, evidence-based information about the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy.

This important effort was made possible through the collaboration of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Department of Health, Truth Initiative, and Franklin County Public Health—all working together to provide trusted guidance that empowers healthier decisions for moms, babies, and families across Ohio.

Learn more about the campaign and explore the facts: https://www.oneohiofoundation.com/cannabis-pregnancy

Today, alongside the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Department of Health, Truth Initiative, and Franklin County Public Health, we launched the first phase of Ohio's statewide cannabis public education initiative—a new campaign focused on pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and the people who support them.

Data from our statewide survey on cannabis use revealed:
🟢 More than half of Ohio women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant reported using cannabis.
🔵 Nearly 40% of cannabis users believe using while pregnant is acceptable.

But health experts are clear: cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, developmental problems, and stillbirth.

"I think moms want to make the decisions that are best for their babies,” said Alisha Nelson, Executive Director of OneOhio Recovery Foundation. "We know that from how much information they're gathering, how many people they talk to, how many resources they reach out to... We wanted to insert this conversation into that process as quickly as possible to really protect that developing baby and developing brain."

Read more about the campaign and why it matters in Samantha Hendrickson's reporting for The Columbus Dispatch:

Many Ohioans believe pot is safe during pregnancy, alarming health officials A survey commissioned by the OneOhio Recovery Foundation shows many pregnant women are misinformed about cannabis use during pregnancy.

OneOhio Recovery Foundation has partnered with Truth Initiative to strengthen the effectiveness of its statewide efforts. Along with OneOhio's media and implementation partners, Truth Initiative will support the public education efforts’ goal of preventing cannabis use across Ohio by providing strategic advisory services, conducting formative and message testing research, and leading rigorous evaluation.

Findings from this new study are in line with previous research finding that young people who start using e-ci******es are more likely to mingle with peers who v**e and become part of e-cigarette-friendly peer groups.

Ni****ne addiction should not be confused with an escape. As ci******es reappear in celebrity photos, fashion and social media, the people who shape popular culture should consider the influence these images can have, particularly on young people. Read CEO Kathy Crosby’s full Letter to the Editor in Washington Post:

Opinion | Stop glamorizing ci******es The costs of ci******es, alcohol and cannabis.

Truth Initiative and the NAACP today announced the expansion of their partnership to address the disproportionate toll of to***co and ni****ne addiction on Black communities and other historically marginalized groups.

Truth Initiative and NAACP Expand Partnership to Advance Health Equity and Increase Access to Proven Quit Resources This new phase of the collaboration launches the Breath of Freedom Movement, combining a legacy of advancing racial justice and health equity with to***co policy and cessation expertise.

How to talk to your child about ni****ne Here are 4 tips to help parents have constructive conversations about ni****ne addiction with their children.

School supplies are starting to show up, which means the new school year will be here before we know it! Get ready for the conversations ahead with our July and August webinars. We’re covering two topics many families are navigating right now: ni****ne and cell phones.

Join experts from Truth Initiative and the American Academy of Pediatrics for practical information, research, and resources you can use at home or share with your community. Both webinars are at 1 PM ET and include live English and Spanish captions. Register today and get the tools to help start these important conversations: https://loom.ly/lvBuVdM