As the new school year approaches, local communities must prioritize prevention education to support student well-being. Erin Bradford, Director of the iCARE Prevention Program, emphasizes that proactive conversations about mental health, substance use, and violence prevention equip students with the tools they need to make healthy choices before a crisis occurs. A Four-Decade Commitment to Community WellnessFor over 40 years, iCARE has served East Baton Rouge Parish by embedding prevention strategies within public, private, and parochial schools. By focusing on overall mental wellness, iCARE helps students recognize when they need help and encourages them to speak up whenever they feel overwhelmed. Programs like Red Ribbon Week and “Sunshine Day” for suicide prevention foster safe environments across campuses.