East Baton Rouge Parish’s iCare program is taking prevention education beyond the classroom this summer. The organization is offering free presentations for summer camps, faith-based groups, and community organizations across the area.
LaTosha Mitchell, a prevention specialist with iCare, said the summer sessions help students stay informed while school is out. The presentations focus on health, wellness, and real-world challenges many students face year-round.
The program covers several topics. Sessions include vaping prevention, bullying awareness, cyber safety, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and leadership development. Mitchell said vaping prevention remains one of the most requested topics in the community.
“Students are at a point where vaping may be a student epidemic,” Mitchell said during a recent Crime Stoppers interview. She explained that many teenagers do not fully understand the long-term effects e-cigarettes can have on brain development, impulse control, and emotional health.
The cyber safety sessions also play a major role during the summer months. With students spending more time online, iCare teaches children how to recognize cyberbullying, avoid online exploitation, and protect personal information on social media and gaming platforms.
Another focus is emotional intelligence and self-regulation. Mitchell said students learn how to recognize stressors, manage emotions, and respond to difficult situations without reacting impulsively. Interactive role-playing activities help students apply those lessons in real-life situations.
The presentations are available at no cost to community partners throughout East Baton Rouge Parish. iCare hopes the expanded summer outreach will continue building healthier and safer communities for students beyond the school year.