IHSA, Generation Lead Team Up to Promote Healthy Choices for Illinois Students
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced a new partnership with Generation Lead, a youth-focused prevention initiative of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH), aimed at strengthening substance misuse prevention efforts and encouraging positive decision-making among high school students.
Generation Lead is a statewide campaign created “for the youth, by the youth” with the mission of empowering students to make informed, healthy choices. The initiative emphasizes that prevention is key to ensuring the long-term health and success of young people across Illinois.
As part of the partnership, IHSA member schools will have access to free prevention resources, including posters, postcards, stickers, bookmarks, and talking kits, available in English, Spanish, and Polish. Schools will also be able to share awareness videos and audio ads with their communities. Materials can be accessed online at www.generationlead.org.
“Generation Lead is about empowering youth to make healthy choices, and our partnership with the IHSA is a perfect fit to bring that message to athletes and the entire high school community across the state,” said Ashley Webb, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs at IABH. “Sports teach teamwork, resilience, and discipline, all values that align directly with prevention and behavioral health.”
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said the collaboration highlights the importance of providing student-athletes with support both on and off the field.
“By connecting with Generation Lead, we are reinforcing the importance of healthy choices and giving our schools tools that directly support the well-being of their students,” Anderson said.
Both organizations say the initiative reflects a shared commitment to building safe, supportive, and healthy environments for Illinois youth.
For more information about Generation Lead and to download free prevention resources, visit www.generationlead.org.
