We are a substance abuse prevention organization, and we believe young people are capable of making good decisions.
Lake County Opioid Initiative
LEAD is a prominent member of the Lake County Opioid Initiative and has been involved in the development and creation of many of its forward-thinking models – namely Text-A-Tip and the A Way Out Program. Learn more.

Text-A-Tip is an innovative, 24/7 mental health text help line now operational to more than 5 million people across the United States. Click here to learn more.

Learn more about Naloxone here.


Media Coverage
Check out some of the latest media coverage we have received, including print, digital and television. Click on each icon to see a collection of samples from each outlet.
Total App Downloads
Population Served by Text-A-Tip
States that Have Hosted LEAD Programs
Our Concept
We know that most young people are capable of making good decisions and that youth substance use is preventable in communities! We use an evidence-based, environmental approach to substance abuse prevention where we work with all community sectors to ensure that we are creating the safest community possible for our young people. When we use a multi-sector approach, allow data to drive our actions, build up positive assets and allow young people to have a voice, then we know we are on the right track.
Our Method
LEAD has developed several methods that enable us to have a significant impact on the communities we serve. We are one of the few organizations who can provide quality and impactful programming for both youth and adults. Our methods include large and small group presentations, hands-on exhibits, relationship-building (we want to know you so that we can help you), and innovative technologies to get people the help they need at the exact moment they need it. We believe that proper communication, effective listening and positive adult-teen relationships should be at the forefront of everything we do.
Our Approach
Prevention is more than simply educating people on the harms of drug use. While education tries to change what people know, prevention works to change what people do. We take a very positive approach to drug prevention, and we believe that the upside of making a positive choice outweighs the downside of making a negative choice. Our programs and events represent an ongoing process of positive engagement that we hope will continually keep our community (and your community) aware of the current drug, alcohol and social trends that are affecting our youth.